Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects over 5% of adults around the world. Sometimes, regular treatments like antidepressant pills don’t work for everyone. This is called treatment-resistant depression. Recently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved a new nasal spray for treatment resistant depression called SPRAVATO® (esketamine). This means there is a new option to help people who haven’t found relief with other treatments.
In this article, we will discuss SPRAVATO® and how it works. Additionally, we will talk about a mental health clinic where you can go to receive nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression under the supervision of a certified mental health professional.
What is Depression?
Depression is more than just feeling sad or down for a few days – it’s a long-lasting feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in things you used to enjoy.
It can make it hard to do everyday activities like going to school, hanging out with friends, or even getting out of bed.
What is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Treatment-resistant depression happens when someone has tried at least two different types of medication but still doesn’t feel better. This can be very frustrating and challenging for people dealing with depression.
What is SPRAVATO® (esketamine)?
This new nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression is called esketamine, and it’s sold under the brand name SPRAVATO®. Unlike most antidepressants that come in the form of pills, SPRAVATO® is a spray that you use in your nose.
It works differently than regular pills and can provide relief faster for some people.
How Does the Nasal Spray Work?
When you use SPRAVATO®, it quickly enters your bloodstream through the blood vessels in your nose. It then travels to your brain and helps to balance chemicals that affect your mood. This can help lift feelings of depression and improve your overall well-being.
Who Can Use it?
SPRAVATO® is not for everyone. It’s meant for adults who have tried at least two other antidepressant medications without success. Because it needs to be used carefully, it is only available through certified providers. This means you have to go to a place that is approved to give this treatment.
How is SPRAVATO® Used?
Since SPRAVATO® can have strong effects, it must be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Here’s how it works:
Visit a Certified Provider
To get this treatment, you need to visit a place that is allowed to provide this treatment. The mental health provider will evaluate your overall health to ensure safety.
Using the Spray
You will use the nasal spray yourself, but the mental health provider will guide you on how to do it properly. You spray the medicine into each nostril.
Observation Period
After using the nasal spray, you will need to stay at the provider’s office for about two hours. This is because the provider needs to check for any side effects and make sure you are okay before you leave.
Benefits of the Nasal Spray
SPRAVATO® has several benefits:
Fast-Acting
Unlike typical antidepressants that can take weeks to start working, SPRAVATO® can provide relief much faster, sometimes within hours.
Different Mechanism
Since it works differently from other antidepressants, it offers a new option for those who haven’t found success with traditional treatments.
Convenient Dosage
Using a nasal spray can be more convenient for some people compared to swallowing pills every day.
Treatment Duration
After you have finished eight weeks of treatment, your provider will check how you are doing and adjust the dose if needed. Remember, SPRAVATO® should be taken with antidepressants as part of your treatment plan.
Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, SPRAVATO® can have side effects. Some people might experience dizziness, nausea, or an increase in blood pressure. Because of these potential side effects, it’s important to use the spray under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Other common side effects include feelings of dissociation, sedation, anxiety, and vertigo.
Nasal Spray for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Phoenix, AZ
The approval of SPRAVATO® (esketamine) for treatment-resistant depression brings hope to many people who haven’t found relief with other treatments. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and hasn’t had success with traditional medications, this new option might be worth exploring.
At My Buoyant Health in Phoenix, AZ, we offer SPRAVATO®, a groundbreaking nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. Our compassionate and experienced mental health provider, Russell Horning, is dedicated to helping you find relief from treatment-resistant depression and improve your quality of life.
Take the first step towards healing by contacting us at (602) 503-2832 or making an appointment using our secure online form.
