Mental health is complex and deeply personal, there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to treatment, but knowing all your options is the first step in your healing journey. Here’s everything you should know about Spravato and traditional antidepressants, and how each treatment can work for your specific needs.
Understanding Spravato Therapy
Spravato is a self-administered nasal spray, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or major depressive disorder (MDD). The treatment is conducted in a safe, clinical setting under professional supervision. Compassionate Guides at Kadelyx Health are there to observe the patient and ensure the safety and efficacy of each session. Spravato is sprayed into the nose 2-3 times, with each spray spaced 5 minutes apart.
Spravato is a brand name for esketamine, a form of ketamine (one of two mirror molecules that make up ketamine). Spravato is known for the rapid reduction of symptoms in treatment-resistant conditions with a different approach compared to traditional antidepressants.
How does Spravato work?
When Spravato is administered, it targets and blocksthe N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain to boost glutamate, compared to traditional antidepressants that target serotonin or norepinephrine. This provides rapid antidepressant effects and helps boost neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new connections), improves mood regulation, and reduces negative thought patterns that are prevalent in conditions like depression.
Benefits of Spravato Therapy
Spravato (Esketamine) is a relatively new type of treatment, but that doesn’t mean it’s not promising. Some people might opt for classic treatments without even considering all the benefits of esketamine. The truth is, Spravato offers a unique experience that’s unlike many other antidepressant treatments. The main benefits of Spravato include, but are 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
Understanding SSRIs and SNRIs
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, also known as SSRIs, are oral antidepressants that work by blocking serotonin reuptake and, by doing so, boosting serotonin. SSRIs are one of the most commonly prescribed forms of antidepressants, used in treating various mental health conditions. SSRIs are often paired with psychotherapy or talk therapy for better efficiency and long-term recovery.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, also known as SNRIs, are oral antidepressants. Similarly to SSRIs, they boost serotonin, but they also boost norepinephrine. SNRIs are often paired with psychotherapy or talk therapy for better efficiency and long-term recovery.
A Comparative Overview of Spravato, SSRIs and SNRIs
Spravato (Esketamine) and conventional antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs are all valuable treatment options for those struggling with mental health disorders, especially depression. But each treatment is special and offers different things, learning the differences and similarities is the first step in choosing the right one for you. Here’s a detailed comparative overview of Spravato, SSRIs, and SNRIs:
| Type of Treatment | Spravato (Esketamine) | SSRIs | SNRIs |
| Administration | Nasal spray | Oral medicine | Oral medicine |
| Purpose of use | Reducing symptoms of depression and negative thought patterns | Reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety | Reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety |
| Reduction of depression symptoms | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Onset of effects | Within hours or days | Within a few weeks | Within a few weeks |
| Duration of treatment | Twice weekly for 4 weeks, then once weekly for 4 weeks (12 sessions in total) | A couple of months at least | A couple of months at least |
| Potential side effects | Nausea, dizziness, increased blood pressure | Gastrointestinal issues, disturbed sleep patterns, fatigue, sexual dysfunction | Gastrointestinal issues, dizziness, increased blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, disturbed sleep patterns, withdrawal |
| Black box warning | / | Yes | Yes |
Insurance Coverage
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).
How to Choose a Treatment for You?
Each patient undergoes a thorough medical and mental evaluation to determine what’s the best option for them. If you are someone who already has experience with traditional treatments but haven’t seen desired improvement, Spravato might be the perfect option for you! Your evaluation and prior treatment history will be taken into consideration.
If you intend to harm yourself right now, please call 988, 911, or proceed to your nearest Emergency Department for immediate treatment.
Don’t Give Up, Hope is Out There
Spravato is gaining popularity for a good reason, allowing people with complex and treatment-resistant conditions to experience relief. Book a free consultation at Kadelyx Health to learn more about Spravato and its transformative effects.
