Spravato Treatment
Depression casts a long, pervasive shadow that can affect every aspect of life, from personal relationships to professional performance. Read on to discover how Spravato at Square One Aesthetics & Wellness could potentially transform the landscape of your mental health.
What is Spravato Treatment?
Spravato, chemically known as esketamine, is a nasal spray approved by the FDA for use in treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.
It is derived from ketamine, a drug known for its rapid-acting antidepressant effects. Unlike traditional antidepressants that target the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, Spravato operates on the NMDA receptors in the brain.
This action helps to restore synaptic connections in brain cells in individuals suffering from depression.
Advantages of Spravato Treatment
- Rapid Symptom Relief: One of the most significant advantages of Spravato is its ability to alleviate depressive symptoms quickly—often within hours of the first dose. This can be particularly crucial for patients with severe depression marked by suicidal thoughts, where rapid relief may save lives.
- High Efficacy in Treatment-Resistant Cases: Spravato has been specifically approved for patients who have tried and not responded to at least two different types of antidepressant treatments. For these patients, Spravato can often succeed where other medications have failed.
- Novel Mechanism of Action: By targeting the NMDA receptor, Spravato helps to increase the levels of glutamate—a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in mood regulation—between neurons. This can help to quickly reverse the glutamate deficits common in those with major depression.
- Ease of Use: Administered as a nasal spray in a clinical setting, Spravato offers a convenient alternative to traditional oral medications, particularly for patients who might struggle with swallowing pills or adhering to a daily medication regimen.
What to Expect During Treatment
Treatment with Spravato is conducted under medical supervision at Square One Aesthetics & Wellness. Here’s what to expect:
- Spravato is administered in our clean and comfortable clinic to monitor its effects, particularly because of its sedative properties and potential for dissociative effects. Each treatment session lasts about two hours, during which the patient’s blood pressure is monitored given the potential for transient increases.
- Initially, the spray is used twice a week for the first month. Depending on the patient’s response, the usage may be reduced to once a week or once every two weeks.
Aftercare Tips
Effective aftercare is crucial to maximize the benefits of your Spravato treatment:
- Due to its sedative effects, patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery until the next day after a good night’s sleep. It’s important to arrange for transportation home after treatment.
- As with many treatments for depression, ensuring adequate hydration and rest is vital to help the body recover and respond to treatment.
- Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential to adjust the treatment plan as needed and to monitor overall health and mental well-being.
Who are the Ideal Candidates?
At Square One Aesthetics & Wellness in Tallahassee, FL, we are committed to offering innovative treatments that improve our patients’ quality of life. Spravato represents a groundbreaking step forward in the fight against depression, providing hope and relief for those who have struggled to find effective treatments.
If you or a loved one has been battling with depression without success, contact us today to schedule your appointment!
