Esketamine (Spravato) Treatment Process for New Patients

About 33% of people suffering from major depressive disorder lack a response to traditional kinds of antidepressants. Esketamine is a prescription nasal spray used in combination with an oral antidepressant to treat depression, especially for those who have been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). TRD is diagnosed when a patient has tried at least two different antidepressants for at least six weeks without improvement.

Side Effects of Esketamine

It’s clinically proven that esketamine can reduce depressive symptoms after only four weeks, but it still comes with risks that may occur during and after taking the medication. Common side effects include:

• Heavy sedation
• Dissociation
• Numbness
• High blood pressure lasting about four hours
• An increase in suicidal thoughts

Due to the potentially extreme side effects of esketamine, it must be self-administered under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider.

Treatment Process

Once you have discussed the risks and benefits of esketamine with your doctor and chosen it as the best treatment option, you can begin the process as soon as your second visit. There are essential steps that need to be taken to ensure a higher probability of successful treatment. Typically, the administering of medication will be twice a week for the first four weeks, once a week for the following month, and then once a week or biweekly.

Pre-Treatment

• Plan a ride: You will feel heavily sedated with a reduction in alertness, and therefore, unable to drive or operate any type of machinery.
• No food or drink before: You may experience nausea and vomiting after a dosage, so be sure to refrain from eating or drinking at least two hours before your scheduled treatment.
• Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your current state of mental health and other medications you may be taking.

Treatment

• You will receive two nasal spray devices, each with one spray per nostril, at a 45-degree angle.
• Wait five minutes to allow the medication time to absorb.
• Spray the second device, one spray in each nostril.

Post-Treatment

• During your first month, you will take the medication twice a week with a two-hour monitoring after each session and an evaluation at the end of the month.
• After that, you will take it weekly or biweekly, in addition to your prescribed oral antidepressant.
• Through continued evaluation and conversation with your doctor, your dosage may continue to decrease.
• Be sure to tell your doctor about any complications or symptoms you may be experiencing during or after treatment. They will share any activities that may not be safe for the rest of the day following a dosage.

Esketamine (Spravato) Treatment in Walpole, MA

These lists are not fully comprehensive and should be talked over with your trusted medical provider. Esketamine can be rewarding for those struggling with depression that seems to never end. You deserve to have a life where you can enjoy all of life’s precious moments. We can help get you there. Give Neuro Behavioral Center in Walpole, Massachusetts, a call at (508) 660-1666, or schedule an appointment online.