Is Spravato Safe?

Many medical facilities and mental health centers throughout the United States are beginning to offer Spravato therapy because of its ability to ease symptoms of severe depression. But with the benefits of may come risks, including dependence and abuse.

So is Spravato therapy actually safe? Keep reading to learn more about Spravato’s side effects, risks, and safety information.

What Is Spravato Therapy?

Spravato is a brand-name prescription medication prescribed for adults with treatment-resistant depression or Major Depressive Disorder with suicidal thoughts/actions. It is available in the form of a nasal spray and can be self-administered directly by the patient. Individuals will usually administer the medication multiple times over the course of several weeks. Throughout the treatment process, the dosage is likely to change to fit the needs of the patient. Spravato, which is usually combined with an oral antidepressant, can both quickly alleviate symptoms of depression and help individuals manage their depression in the long term.

Is Spravato Therapy Safe?

Even though Spravato can come with its side effects and risks, it is approved by the FDA to treat depression and is considered safe for use. However, efforts and restrictions have been made to ensure that users cannot exceed their dosage. This decreases the likelihood of patients becoming dependent on Spravato.

First, the treatment is only available through a restricted distribution program called the SPRAVATO® REMS. This means that patients can only administer Spravato at certified treatment facilities. Patients must also be monitored while and after they administer Spravato. This is to ensure that they take the correct dose and to keep an eye out for any potential side effects. These side effects may include:

• Dissociation (feeling out of body)
• Sedation (sleepiness, trouble thinking clearly)
• Dizziness and spinning
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anxiety
• Lack of energy
• Numbness
• Increased blood pressure

While these side effects of Spravato are relatively common, they are usually not dangerous and should go away after a couple of hours. There are, however, some serious and less common potential side effects that require immediate medical attention. These side effects may include suicide attempts, suicidal thoughts, worsening depression, and unsual changes in behavior.

With all of this considered, providers take plenty of steps to make sure that their patients are being monitored closely throughout the entire Spravato treatment process. If they feel at any point like an individual is not responding well to Spravato, they will discontinue treatment.

Deciding If Spravato Is Right For You

If you’re interested in Spravato therapy, talk to your doctor first to see if it’s a good fit. They will consider any current conditions you have, your medical history, and more to determine if Spravato is right for you. If you have a history of substance abuse, they may recommend a different treatment option for depression. Spravato may also not be right for you if you are breastfeeding; have high blood pressure, liver disease, or blood vessel disease; or have a history of psychosis or bleeding in the brain.

After getting a doctor’s approval, you can begin researching Spravato providers near you. While there are many facilities that may offer this type of treatment, it’s important to choose the right one. Not only does Spravato require multiple sessions, but it encourages individuals to be open and vulnerable with what they are experiencing. Because of this, it’s important for people who get Spravato therapy to choose an environment that makes them feel comfortable.

At Elium Health, we offer Spravato therapy in a welcoming and friendly environment that encourages wellness and relaxation. To learn more about Spravato or any of our other mental health treatment services, contact us by giving us a call at 866-552-3758 today.

Sources

https://www.spravato.com/

https://www.spravatohcp.com/safety

https://www.spravato.com/important-safety-information

https://www.drugs.com/history/spravato.html

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

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