You may have heard about a newer drug available for treating depression called Spravato. If you have been suffering from depression for a long time and have not experienced much symptom relief from first-line treatments, you may be wondering, “What does Spravato do?” and “Is it right for me?” You may also have other questions, especially given Spravato’s similarities to ketamine and its analgesic effects.
We will break down some common questions our patients have regarding Spravato and what exactly it does to treat depression.
Spravato has a similar chemical composition to ketamine, a drug used for decades in humans and animals for its analgesic effects. Doctors using ketamine as an analgesic on patients noted that the drug created an almost immediate sense of elation and mood enhancement. When scientists took a closer look, they found that ketamine had considerably diverse molecular targets that could address a number of psychiatric and neurological conditions, including depression. The FDA has since approved the use of Spravato for relieving depression symptoms for people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and for people with Major Depressive Disorder who also exhibit suicidal tendencies.
Unlike many traditional antidepressants, which increase levels of certain neurotransmitters over time, esketamine works differently—and much faster.
When someone is suffering from depression, especially treatment-resistant depression, the brain’s ability to form and maintain healthy connections between brain cells (called synapses) can be impaired. Esketamine helps by quickly stimulating a receptor in the brain called the NMDA receptor. This sets off a chain reaction that helps restore lost or broken connections and improves how different parts of the brain communicate with each other.
In simpler terms, Spravato helps “reboot” some of the brain circuits that may not be functioning well in people with severe depression. The best thing about Spravato is that you can feel these effects within hours or days, which is much faster than the several weeks it usually takes for most antidepressants to work.
Spravato was approved by the FDA in 2019 for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This means it is meant for people who have not had success with at least two other antidepressants. The FDA has also approved Spravato for people who experience major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or actions.
Several studies have shown that Spravato can be highly effective, especially when combined with a traditional oral antidepressant. In one major clinical trial, people who received Spravato plus an oral antidepressant had a significantly greater reduction in depression symptoms compared to those who only took an oral antidepressant.
Another study found that Spravato helped reduce suicidal thoughts more quickly than a placebo, especially in the first 24 hours after treatment began. This is a huge benefit if you are experiencing a psychiatric crisis and cannot wait weeks for relief.
Spravato can be a life-changing option for some individuals, but it is not for everyone. It is only approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression or depression with suicidal thoughts. If you are currently taking antidepressants and have not seen much improvement, it might be worth talking to a provider about whether Spravato is an option.
The best way to find out if Spravato is right for you is to schedule an evaluation with our provider at The Grant Group. Dr. Cathal Grant will review your history, symptoms, and any medications you have tried before.
If you have been feeling stuck and have not found relief with first-line therapies for depression, Spravato might just be the breakthrough you have been waiting for. Get in touch with us today for more information on what Spravato does and how it can benefit you.