How Long Can You Expect Spravato Therapy to Last?

Spravato can drastically improve symptoms of severe depression.

But how long will its effects last?

Spravato is a prescription nasal spray that belongs to a group of drugs called NMDA receptor blockers. The main ingredient in this medication is esketamine. Usually taken alongside an oral antidepressant, Spravato is designed for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Someone has treatment-resistant depression when they do not see success from two or more different antidepressant medications. This type of treatment can also help individuals who have major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or actions.

Spravato Treatment: How It Works

A patient who uses Spravato will typically administer the nasal spray themselves at a medical facility or mental health treatment center. The session must be overseen by a specialist who monitors the process and dosage. The professional will also show the patient how to use the device and administer the Spravato. After the patient uses the nasal spray, they will be asked to stay at the facility for about two hours for further monitoring. This is done to ensure that the patient does not experience any side effects. Potential side effects of Spravato therapy include:

• Dissociation
• Dizziness
• Spinning sensations
• Sedation
• Nausea
• Numbness
• Feeling anxious
• Lack of energy
• Increased blood pressure

These side effects may be uncomfortable, but they are usually not dangerous. Side effects should kick in right after treatment and go away within a few hours. But in some cases, side effects can last for as long as a day or so.

Because of the potential for side effects right after treatment, patients should make plans to ask a family member or friend to drive them to and from their Spravato therapy session.

How Long Does Spravato Therapy Last?

Spravato is taken once a week for the first four weeks of treatment. At this point, patients should definitely see a reduction of depression symptoms. Once someone reaches the end of their first months on Spravato, a doctor or specialist will evaluate their progress and any side effects to determine whether or not they should continue. If the doctor clears someone to continue, they will then take Spravato once a week for a month. After that next month, they will either continue taking it once per week or will take it once every two weeks.

While Spravato is usually not prescribed as a long-term treatment, it depends on the patient’s condition and its severity. If taken accordingly to dosage for the correct period of time, Spravato should be able to almost immediately eliminate suicidal thoughts/actions and ease symptoms of depression in the long term. But since Spravato is a limited-time form of treatment, it is important for individuals who use it to continue working to manage their mental health once they are finished. They can do this by attending therapy, taking antidepressants, maintaining a light exercise routine, meditating, and more.

Is Spravato Therapy Right for You?

Spravato should not be taken to treat or relieve physical pain and should not be used in place of hospitalization. Individuals should only take Spravato if they struggle with major depressive disorder or treatment-resistant depression. Ultimately, only the individual and their doctor can decide if Spravato is right for them. If you’re thinking of taking Spravato, talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms. You should also inform them of any health conditions and tell them if you have a history of substance abuse.

At Elium Health, we offer Spravato treatment in a comfortable and friendly environment. Our mental health treatment representatives, who are trained to help individuals with conditions like anxiety and depression, are always available to answer any questions that patients and their families may have. To learn more about Spravato therapy at Elium Health, contact our team of specialists by giving us a call at 866-552-3758 or emailing us at contact@eliumhealth.com.

Sources

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326038

https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/spravato-dosage

https://www.spravato.com/trd