Spravato (Esketamine)
Spravato (Esketamine) is a nasal spray used to treat treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation.
Spravato (Esketsmine)
What is Spravato?
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) doesn’t respond to standard antidepressants, making it difficult to treat. Spravato (esketamine), derived from ketamine, offers a new option for TRD. Unlike traditional treatments, it targets the brain’s glutamate system and is administered as a nasal spray under supervision. Spravato has shown promise in relieving symptoms quickly, providing hope for patients who haven’t benefited from conventional therapies.
How Does Spravato Work?
Spravato, which contains a special ingredient called esketamine, works in a different way than most other antidepressants. While many antidepressants focus on chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, Spravato targets something called glutamate in the brain. Glutamate helps the brain stay flexible and change, which is important for learning and memory. By boosting glutamate levels, Spravato helps brain cells work better and encourages the brain to form new connections
What is Spravato (Esketamine) and How does it works?
Benefit of Spravato
Rapid Relief:
Spravato can provide quicker symptom relief compared to traditional antidepressants, often within hours or days, which is especially beneficial for patients in crisis.
Different Mechanism of Action:
Unlike standard antidepressants that primarily target serotonin or norepinephrine, Spravato works on the glutamate system, offering a novel approach for those who haven’t responded to other treatments.
Supervised Administration:
Spravato is administered in a clinical setting under medical supervision, ensuring that patients are monitored for any immediate side effects and allowing for prompt intervention if needed.
Potential for Long-Term Benefits:
Some patients experience sustained improvement in symptoms even after treatment sessions, potentially reducing the frequency of administration over time.
Improved Quality of Life:
By alleviating symptoms of depression more effectively, Spravato can enhance overall quality of life, allowing individuals to engage more fully in daily activities and relationships.
Hope for Resistant Cases:
For patients with TRD who have exhausted other options, Spravato offers a new avenue for treatment, providing hope and a chance for recovery when other methods have failed.
FAQs
Brief list of FAQs About Spravato
What is an effective medication combination for those with treatment-resistant depression?
Olanzapine/fluoxetine, known as Symbyax, combines the active ingredients of fluoxetine (Prozac) and olanzapine (Zyprexa) into a single tablet. It is specifically approved for the acute treatment of treatment-resistant depression.
Which medication is preferred for treating treatment-resistant depression?
Ketamine is often the drug of choice for treatment-resistant depression. It is an anesthetic that can begin to alleviate symptoms within a few hours for some individuals. Ketamine is typically administered via injection, but it is also available as a nasal spray under the name esketamine.
What is considered a last resort treatment for treatment-resistant depression?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is generally considered a last resort for treating severe treatment-resistant depression. During ECT, a controlled electric current is passed through the brain while the patient is under anesthesia, causing a brief seizure that can lead to rapid and significant changes in brain chemistry, potentially reversing the symptoms of major depression.
Is there hope for individuals suffering from severe treatment-resistant depression?
Yes, there is promising news for those suffering from severe treatment-resistant depression. Esketamine, a novel treatment, has shown the potential to provide relief from major depressive symptoms within hours of administration. According to Adam Kaplin, M.D., Ph.D., this represents the first truly new antidepressant therapy in six decades that offers a different approach from traditional drugs.