Top Benefits of SPRAVATO® Nasal Spray for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Millions worldwide either personally suffer from the crippling effects of depression or watch helplessly as their loved ones struggle with this unrelenting mental health condition. Traditional antidepressant medications have long been a cornerstone of treatment options, yet they've failed to bring relief to a substantial number of sufferers.

For those grappling with depression, new hope has arrived in the form of SPRAVATO®, an innovative, highly effective new approach to treatment-resistant depression.

Here, we'll cover what SPRAVATO® is, how it compares to conventional treatments, just five of its many benefits, and if it’s the right option for you.

What Is SPRAVATO® Treatment?

SPRAVATO® is a prescription nasal spray for use along with a traditional oral antidepressant. As of this blog's publication date, it is the only FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, having been approved back in 2019. Ever since then, SPRAVATO® treatments have been helping millions regain control.

What exactly is SPRAVATO®? It's a formulation of esketamine, which is made from ketamine. Ketamine is a hallucinogenic dissociative anesthetic that's been safely used in medical procedures for decades.

After ketamine was found to relieve depression and thoughts of self-harm, the scientific community conducted further research. Now, both ketamine and esketamine are widely used by medical practitioners as a safe, effective treatment for mental health conditions.

Let's learn more about esketamine, known more commonly by the brand name SPRAVATO®, and how it compares to traditional treatments.

Esketamine vs. Conventional Antidepressants

Most traditional antidepressants are oral medications that work to gradually increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, a natural body chemical that works to control mood.

As you can imagine, increasing such levels takes time. Often, several weeks or even months have passed before sufferers notice symptom improvement. And that's if it works; for many, the medication doesn't serve its intended purpose, offering no relief at all.

Esketamine, on the other hand, targets the NMDA receptor, which is a component of the brain's glutamate system. Glutamate plays a major role in:

• Memory
• Learning
• Mood regulation

Think of it like a chemical messenger in the brain, helping send signals to the body. Because esketamine targets the NMDA receptor, SPRAVATO® for depression helps induce rapid changes in the brain's function and connectivity. It's those rapid changes that can help alleviate symptoms of depression within hours or days.

In its SPRAVATO® form, esketamine is a nasal spray for use alongside a conventional oral antidepressant. While you administer SPRAVATO® yourself, you do so under the supervision of a healthcare provider to ensure you dispense the spray correctly.

Your provider will set your specific dose frequency, but there's typically an induction period in which you use SPRAVATO® twice a week for one to four weeks. After that, most enter the optimization and maintenance phase, which can be once per week or once every two weeks for a set timeframe.

5 Benefits of SPRAVATO®

1. Fast Acting

Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take months to become effective, if effective at all, many SPRAVATO® patients experience relief from depression within hours or days after their first dose. That rapid relief is crucial for those coping with debilitating symptoms.

2. Highly Effective

SPRAVATO® has shown remarkable effectiveness in both short-term and long-term clinical trials when used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. This innovative new treatment is particularly effective for those who have not seen results from traditional antidepressants.

3. Non-Invasive

Because SPRAVATO® is administered as a nasal spray, many find this delivery mode more convenient and less intimidating than using another form of ketamine, such as intravenous infusions. Thus, SPRAVATO® is becoming a much more accessible treatment option for many sufferers.

4. Reduces Thoughts of Self-Harm

Compared to traditional antidepressants alone, esketamine has been shown to reduce thoughts of self-harm more effectively. For those in especially dangerous situations, SPRAVATO® can be a potentially life-saving treatment, helping quickly stabilize mood.

5. Improves Quality of Life

Relief from depression comes with a renewed sense of hope and well-being. Many who have used SPRAVATO® report improvements in their overall quality of life, such as being more engaged in daily activities and participating in social interactions.

Is SPRAVATO® Right for You?

Wondering if this treatment option is right for you and how to get esketamine nasal spray? While a medical professional will determine if this highly effective treatment is right for you, it's important to note that SPRAVATO® is approved explicitly for adults:

• With treatment-resistant depression.
• Who have not found relief from their symptoms after trying at least two different antidepressant medications.
• Who can adhere to a set schedule, as this medication must be administered under the supervision of a medical professional.

Find Relief With Help From Resilience Integrative Wellness

If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, our team of compassionate medical professionals is here to assist. As a comprehensive mental health provider, we're here to help you achieve optimal wellness. Learn more about esketamine and SPRAVATO®, and get on the road to relief by scheduling a consultation today.

Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine if ketamine, esketamine, or SPRAVATO® therapy is suitable for your unique situation.