INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Spravato (esketamine) CIII, a revolutionary nasal spray designed to help individuals battling treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This breakthrough offers new hope for those who have not responded to at least two oral antidepressants.
WHAT IS SPRAVATO?
Spravato is a nasal spray formulation of esketamine, a derivative of ketamine. Unlike traditional oral antidepressants, which primarily target serotonin and norepinephrine, Spravato works on a completely different pathway in the brain, making it a game-changer for individuals struggling with persistent depression.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Spravato targets the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, a key player in mood regulation. By blocking glutamate activity at the NMDA receptor, it rapidly alleviates depressive symptoms, often within hours to days—far quicker than traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to show effects.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR TREATMENT?
Spravato is approved for adults diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)—individuals who have tried at least two different oral antidepressants without achieving significant relief. This treatment offers a new lifeline to those who have struggled with persistent depressive symptoms.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING TREATMENT
Patients receiving Spravato will undergo a supervised treatment plan in a medical setting, which includes:
Initial dosing: 56 mg or 84 mg, administered under medical supervision
Follow-up treatments: Same dosage once weekly for four weeks, followed by maintenance as needed
Monitoring: Healthcare providers will closely observe patients for side effects or unusual reactions
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medications, Spravato comes with potential side effects, including:
Dissociation (feeling detached from reality or oneself)
Dizziness
Nausea
Headache
Fatigue
Due to these effects, patients are required to stay under medical supervision for at least two hours after each dose.
A NEW HOPE FOR DEPRESSION TREATMENT
The FDA’s approval of Spravato marks a major milestone in mental health care, offering a much-needed alternative for those who have not found relief with traditional antidepressants. If you or a loved one struggles with treatment-resistant depression, speak to a healthcare provider to see if this groundbreaking therapy is right for you.
No comment