Esketamine, aka Spravato, is a game-changing medication that can help adults with treatment-resistant depression.
As with all new and innovative treatments, questions may arise. We’ve brought in the experts from Active Path Mental Health to debunk some myths associated with this nasal spray medication.
Fact or Fiction: Esketamine is the same thing as ketamine.
This is somewhat fiction. While ketamine is an intravenous treatment that may be used off-label to treat depression, esketamine is one of the active ingredients of ketamine prepared as an FDA-approved nasal spray for the treatment of depression. It’s considered an augmentation treatment, meaning that it’s used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.
Fact or Fiction: It can improve quality of life.
This is fact. Integrating Spravato into a treatment plan can help make life easier. The reason: Alleviating symptoms, like anhedonia (the lack of interest or pleasure in doing things), may help encourage patients to engage in the parts of life that bring them joy.
Fact or Fiction: Esketamine isn’t approved by the FDA.
This is fiction. Spravato is FDA-approved and covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, while ketamine isn’t typically covered by insurance.
Fact or Fiction: It’s difficult to take.
This is fiction. Keeping up with taking pills daily is sometimes challenging. As a nasal spray, esketamine is easy to use under clinical supervision. It’s administered twice weekly for the first four weeks of treatment. After that, the frequency is lowered to once weekly and potentially reduced further over time depending on an individual’s personalized treatment plan.
Active Path Mental Health is on hand to help Portlanders who might benefit from adding Spravato to their wellness toolbox. Connect with their team to see if this treatment is right for you.†
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†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. PDXtoday advises consumers to consult a physician before trying new products and to always read a company’s and/or product’s full terms and conditions. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by PDXtoday.
