Dealing with severe depression can be difficult, especially since a lot of people don’t respond to traditional antidepressants like SSRIs, which focus on serotonin. That’s why new and innovative options are on the rise, like Spravato and Auvelity. Here’s everything you should know about these treatments and how they compare.
Understanding Spravato Therapy
Spravato (esketamine) is a form of ketamine, or more specifically one of two mirror molecules that make up ketamine. Compared to ketamine therapy, which is administered via IM or IV, Spravato is in the form of a nasal spray.
It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal ideation. Spravato is a self-administered treatment sprayed into the nose 2-3 times, with each spray spaced 5 minutes apart. The treatment is conducted in a clinical setting under medical supervision, with compassionate Guides by the participant’s side to ensure efficacy and safety of each session. A lot of patients struggling with depression claim to experience relief within days of the first session, making Spravato a fast-acting antidepressant.
How does Spravato work?
When Spravato is administered, it targets and blocksthe N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain to enhance glutamate. This can rapidly reduce the symptoms of depression and help boost neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new connections), improve mood regulation, and reduce negative thought patterns that are prevalent in multiple mental health conditions.
Benefits of Spravato Therapy
Spravato therapy is considered a groundbreaking treatment, especially for those who haven’t found relief after using traditional antidepressants. A lot of people opt for alternatives like Spravato or ketamine therapy because of the specific benefits that many other treatments don’t offer. Here are some of the main benefits of Spravato, including but not limited to:
- Free consultation (learn about the treatment in detail and find out if Spravato is suitable for you)
- Personalized treatment plan (a tailored plan is created after assessing the mental and medical history)
- Safe, clinical setting (compassionate Guides supervise each session)
- Non-invasive administration (Spravato is self-administered via a nasal spray)
- Rapid relief (noticeable reduction of depressive symptoms within hours or days of the first treatment)
- Suited for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts
If you intend to harm yourself right now, please call 988, 911, or proceed to your nearest Emergency Department for immediate treatment.
Understanding Auvelity
Auvelity is an innovative treatment specified for reducing symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). Auvelity actually contains two major components, dextromethorphan and bupropion. These two active ingredients work in specific ways, dextromethorphan interacts with NMDA receptors in the brain, and bupropion supports and blocks the breakdown of dextromethorphan. Bupropion is also an antidepressant that works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine. This results in fast-acting antidepressant effects, suitable for individuals struggling with severe types of depression like major depressive disorder (MDD). It’s important to note that Auvelity is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.
How does Auvelity work?
Auvelity is a combination of two medications with specific mechanisms of action. Dextromethorphan is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, while bupropion is a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
A Comparative Overview of Spravato and Auvelity
While both treatments are suitable for people struggling with severe depression, one of the main differences between Spravato and Auvelity is the mechanisms of action, but that’s not the only thing setting them apart. Learning about the details of each treatment can paint you a better picture if the treatment fits your needs and preferences. Here is a comparative overview of the main differences and similarities between Spravato and Auvelity:
| Treatment Type | Spravato (Esketamine) | Auvelity |
| Administration | Nasal spray | Oral medicine |
| Antidepressant effects | Yes | Yes |
| Onset of effects | Within hours or days of the first session | Within days to weeks of the first session |
| Duration of treatment | Twice weekly for 4 weeks, then once weekly for 4 weeks (12 sessions in total) | A few months at least |
| Potential side effects | Nausea, dizziness, increased blood pressure | Dizziness, gastrointestinal issues, drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth |
| Black box warning | / | Can potentially increase suicidal ideation in patients under 25 |
Insurance Coverage
Currently, Kadelyx Health offers coverage by BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona (BCBSAZ), United Healthcare, and Aetna for Spravato for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or major depressive disorder (MDD).
Start Your Mental Health Journey Today
Conditions like severe depression can significantly impact your personal and professional life, but hope is out there as more and more innovative treatments emerge. Both Spravato and Auvelity offer antidepressant effects, but each treatment is special in its own way so it’s good to understand how they differ,. Book a free consultation at Kadelyx Health to learn more about Spravato treatment and how it can improve the quality of your life.
