Starting Spravato®? 6 Things to Understand Up Front

Spravato® (esketamine) is a new depression treatment unlike any other. If you and your doctor have decided that it’s right for you, you might be feeling a mix of anxiety and hope. You may also have a few questions. That’s completely understandable. Like any medication, there’s some risk of side effects and interactions with other medications or conditions. Understanding common reactions, getting to know your provider and knowing what to expect during treatments can help you prepare for your first session.

In this article, we’ll share six things you should know before starting Spravato® treatments.

6 things to understand before starting Spravato® treatments

You may know that esketamine is a derivative of ketamine, which is an anesthetic that has recently become more popular as a recreational drug. The chemical structure of esketamine is different, and it has a much milder effect. Each person has a slightly different response to it. It’s good to keep a balanced perspective: You may see improvements rather quickly, and if you still have remaining symptoms, there are other innovative treatments that may help, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Here’s what you should know before starting Spravato® treatments:

What to expect during administration

Before your treatment, a trained esketamine provider will ask how you’re feeling and clinical assistants take your vital signs. You’ll take two to three doses of Spravato® nasal spray yourself, with supervision. Then, you can relax into a deep state of calm, and your provider will monitor you for two hours. You might feel sleepy, dissociated or detached from your surroundings. These feelings may be intense, but they should peak within about 40 minutes and then pass within a couple of hours.

Some people like to listen to calming music, or quietly focus on their internal experience during treatments. We make sure to provide patients with noise-cancelling headphones and eye masks in order to limit external stimuli during the treatment. You should wear comfortable clothes, and feel free to bring a blanket.

Common side effects and management

It’s common to experience mild side effects during Spravato® treatments such as dizziness, dissociation and nausea. These are usually mild and pass quickly. More serious side effects are possible, but they’re much less common. Some people may experience high blood pressure, which can cause chest pain, severe headaches, vision changes, shortness of breath and seizures. In rare cases, Spravato® may be associated with suicidal thoughts or slowed breathing. Your provider or medical assistant will monitor your blood pressure, oxygen levels, mood and other vital signs throughout treatment and intervene if necessary to keep you safe.

The following are some mild side effects people may experience when taking Spravato®:

Dizziness
Sleepiness
Spinning sensation (vertigo)
Feeling disconnected from your body, thoughts or surroundings (dissociation)

Treatment schedule and commitment

You’ll work with your provider to create a personalized treatment schedule. Most people receive treatments twice a week for the first month and then once a week for the next four weeks. Then you’ll move to treatment every week or every other week. Sticking to your treatment plan is critical to achieve the best results.

Pre-treatment requirements

Your treatment provider will do a thorough consultation with you before creating your treatment plan. They’ll need to know about your medical history and any other medications or supplements you’re taking. You’ll also need to make arrangements for transportation to get home after treatment.

Spravato® isn’t recommended for people with certain conditions such as aneurysmal vascular disease, a history of brain bleeds, or uncontrolled hypertension. Depending on the acuity of their condition, those with high blood pressure, a history of psychosis, liver disease or substance use disorders may not be candidates for treatment. Spravato® has some known interactions with prescription medications. Let your provider know if you’re taking central nervous system (CNS) depressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or psychostimulants.

Setting realistic expectations

Esketamine can reduce depression symptoms quickly. In clinical trials, many people noticed a difference within 24 hours and achieved remission within four weeks. Individual response varies, but Spravato® has shown promising results for people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This means they’ve tried at least two other medications and haven’t seen an improvement. Spravato® can be taken alone or with another antidepressant. We recommend maintaining a relationship with a psychotherapist as well.

Cost and insurance considerations

Spravato® treatments are covered by many health insurance plans. At PTC Med, we’re in network with many of the top carriers. Our staff is happy to help verify your coverage so you know what your plan covers and what your financial responsibility will be before starting treatment.

PTC Med offers a safe and comfortable Spravato® treatment experience

Over 140,000 people worldwide have taken Spravato®. If you’re having mixed feelings about starting treatment, you’re not alone. For most people, the potential benefits of taking Spravato® outweigh the risk of negative effects. Partnering with a care team you trust can help you rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.

At PTC Med, we work with each patient to create a personalized and comprehensive plan to meet their mental health goals. We help you understand your options and ensure that you have a say in your treatment decisions — we never suggest that someone pursue a treatment if they’re not comfortable with it. We’ll take the time to address your concerns and make sure Spravato® fits into the big picture of your overall health and wellness goals.

Are you looking for a Spravato® provider? Let’s start the conversation today. Reach out to our team by phone for more information or to schedule an initial appointment. You can also book your initial appointment online now.