5 ways esketamine therapy may help when other treatments haven’t

Esketamine (Spravato®) is a new treatment that works differently from traditional antidepressants. It targets a different neurotransmitter than other traditional medications to provide fast and long-lasting relief. Spravato® is delivered via a nasal spray in a controlled outpatient setting. It can be used alone or in combination with other medications and treatments. Spravato® is showing promising results for people with severe symptoms and those who haven’t found relief from other treatments.

After you’ve tried two different treatments for depression with no significant improvement, you may be diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Researchers estimate that about 30% of people with depression have TRD. This doesn’t mean there isn’t a treatment out there that can help you. It just means you haven’t found the right solution yet.

In this article, we’ll share five ways esketamine therapy may help when other treatments haven’t.

5 ways esketamine may help when other treatments haven’t

Depression medications work differently for each person, and there are many varieties available. It’s common to try a few different options before finding one that works for you. The process can be long and challenging — some antidepressants can take up to twelve weeks to work. With depression hanging over you like a rain cloud that won’t go away, and symptoms that interfere with multiple areas of life, it can be hard to keep up hope. 

Esketamine, marketed under the brand name Spravato®, is the first FDA-approved monotherapy for adults with TRD or major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or actions (MDSI). It’s a prescription nasal spray that can be used alone or combined with an oral antidepressant.

Esketamine may help in these five ways when you haven’t seen improvement with other treatments:

1. Works through a different brain pathway

Conventional antidepressants primarily target serotonin and other monoamines. Esketamine is different because it blocks N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, increasing the amount of glutamate and downstream brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that plays a crucial role in promoting neuroplasticity. This is thought to be the reason why esketamine is more effective for people who haven’t seen results with traditional antidepressants.

2. Provides rapid, long-lasting relief

The positive effects of a single esketamine treatment can start in as little as a few hours and persist for weeks or even months. Many people achieve remission from depression symptoms within four weeks. Spravato® has even proven effective for treating suicidal thoughts. These powerful effects make it a potential option for people experiencing mental health challenges.  

3. Administered in a controlled clinical setting

Spravato® isn’t a daily pill you take at home. It’s a nasal spray that you take at a Spravato® -certified treatment center. This can save you the hassle of refilling a prescription and remembering to take your medication every day. Patients must stay for at least two hours of observation after receiving treatment.

Most people start with treatments twice a week for the first month, then reduce to once a month for four to eight weeks. Finally, in the maintenance phase, treatments are once every three to five weeks.

4. Can be used as monotherapy

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Spravato® as a stand-alone therapy for treatment-resistant or severe depression with suicidal thoughts. This simplifies treatment for people with complex conditions and opens up new possibilities for those who can’t tolerate combination therapies. It can also be used in combination with other medications. 

5. Addresses severe, acute symptoms

There are few effective treatments for TRD and severe depression with suicidal ideation or behaviors. Spravato® may help fill gaps in mental health services. It can be easily integrated with psychotherapy and other treatments in comprehensive mental health care approaches. 

Find out if esketamine therapy at PTC Med is right for you

Even mild depression symptoms can make it hard to perform simple tasks and get through the day. At the same time, it takes courage to seek treatment. When traditional antidepressants haven’t helped improve your symptoms, it’s understandable to feel frustrated and disappointed. Spravato® is unlike other traditional antidepressants. Over 140,000 people worldwide have taken it. Many are experiencing relief for the first time.

To take Spravato® safely and achieve the best outcomes, finding a qualified provider you trust is essential. PTC Med clinics in California are fully certified to provide Spravato®. We also provide medication management, psychotherapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Our providers work with each patient to create a personalized and comprehensive plan to meet their mental health goals. 

Are you wondering if Spravato® might help with your TRD? Give us a call today and let’s start the conversation. You can also book your initial appointment online now.