Spravato (esKetamine) - Ketamine Therapy in Chicago & Orlando
At Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa, we offer a wide range of innovative mental health treatments. One of our most advanced services is ketamine Treatment for depression, which we offer in both our Chicago and Orlando offices. It’s a cutting-edge development in the world of mental health treatment, and it’s creating quite a stir.
What is Spravato (esKetamine)?
Spravato, chemically known as esketamine, is a groundbreaking pharmaceutical agent in the mental health field, specifically utilized in the treatment of depression. It represents a newer class of drugs called NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonists and its unique mechanism of action sets it apart from conventional antidepressants.
Spravato is actually a derivative of ketamine, a compound initially used as an anesthetic drug, specifically during surgeries for its pain-relieving effects. Ketamine is composed of two mirror-image molecules (enantiomers), R-ketamine and S-ketamine (esketamine). While both enantiomers have anaesthetic properties, esketamine is more potent and faster-acting. When developed and utilized as a standalone treatment, it was found to be highly effective in managing depressive symptoms, hence the birth of Spravato.
How Ketamine Therapy Works
Now, you might wonder, how does Spravato work differently from other antidepressants? The majority of antidepressants like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) work by modifying the levels of certain neurotransmitters like serotonin or norepinephrine in the brain. Spravato, on the other hand, operates on the glutamate system – a crucial player in our mood, cognition, and perception of pain.
Glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter in our brains, playing a key role in neural activation. Overactivity of this system has been linked with depression. Spravato helps in modulating this overactivity, thereby reducing depressive symptoms. It’s an intricate process but provides fascinating results, setting the stage for a whole new approach to depression treatment.
At Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa, we administer Spravato as a nasal spray under the direct supervision of our professional healthcare providers. This new approach to depression treatment has shown remarkable efficacy in reducing symptoms rapidly, sometimes within hours of administration.
Benefits of Ketamine Treatment
Spravato (esKetamine) presents numerous potential benefits that make it an attractive option in the field of depression treatment. Here are some significant advantages:
Rapid Relief from Symptoms
Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to months before their effects are experienced, Spravato (esKetamine) can offer a rapid reduction of depressive symptoms, sometimes within hours of administration. This makes it particularly valuable for individuals who are in the midst of a severe depressive episode and need immediate relief.
Novel Treatment Option
Spravato (esKetamine) presents a fresh approach to treating depression, especially for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, i.e., those who have not responded to at least two different types of antidepressant treatments. It opens up a new path for those who seemed to have exhausted all available options.
Option for Suicidal Ideation
Clinical studies have indicated that Spravato may also be effective in reducing suicidal ideation in individuals with depression. This is a significant advancement as traditional antidepressants often take longer to exert their effects, and rapid control of such thoughts can be life-saving.
Improved Quality of Life
By alleviating depressive symptoms rapidly, Spravato can help individuals regain their function and return to their daily activities more quickly. This swift improvement can drastically enhance a person’s quality of life and overall satisfaction.
Potential Long-Term Efficacy
Early research shows promising results regarding the long-term efficacy of Spravato (esKetamine). Some patients reported sustained relief from depressive symptoms over time, indicating potential for long-term management of depression.
Potential Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy
As with any medication, Spravato (esKetamine) can have side effects, some of which can be serious. Here’s a deeper look into the potential side effects that may be experienced:
Common Side Effects
Most individuals using Spravato (esKetamine) might experience some of the more common side effects, although these often lessen with time as the body becomes more accustomed to the medication. These can include:
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Nausea or vomiting
- Increase in blood pressure or heart rate
- Feeling of ‘strangeness’ or disconnection from oneself or reality
- Excessive sleepiness or sedation
- Anxiety or increased agitation
Serious Side Effects
While less common, there are serious side effects associated with Spravato (esKetamine). These require immediate medical attention and include:
- Severe anxiety or panic
- Hallucinations or other serious changes in perception
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Serious increase in blood pressure or heart rate
Long-Term Use and Dependency
With its close relation to ketamine, there’s also the concern about potential misuse or dependency with long-term use of Spravato (esKetamine). While it’s administered under medical supervision, it’s important to monitor for signs of misuse.
Interactions with Other Drugs
Spravato (esKetamine) may interact with other drugs, including those that depress the central nervous system (like benzodiazepines or opioids). This can increase the risk of severe drowsiness, slow breathing, coma, or even death. At Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa, we make sure that there won’t be any negative interactions between our treatment and a patient’s medications.
Is Ketamine Treatment Right for You?
Spravato treatment at Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa is particularly useful for adults who have tried other antidepressant medicines but have not benefited from them. We invite you to schedule a consultation with our professional healthcare providers to determine if Spravato is the right treatment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Spravato
No, Spravato and ketamine are not the same. Spravato is a form of esketamine, which is a derivative of ketamine. While they are related and have similar mechanisms of action in the brain, they are different chemical compounds and are used differently in clinical settings. Spravato has been specifically approved for the treatment of depression, while ketamine is primarily used as an anesthetic in medical procedures.
One of the major advantages of Spravato is its speed of effect. While traditional antidepressants may take weeks to start showing effects, Spravato can often begin to alleviate symptoms of depression within hours of the first administration. However, it’s important to note that individual responses can vary, and some patients might take longer to respond than others.
Spravato has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression in adults, which indicates its safety when used under appropriate medical supervision. However, like all medications, it does have potential side effects. Some of these side effects can be serious, so it’s essential to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Spravato is administered as a nasal spray. This form of administration is less invasive than other methods, making it a convenient option for many patients. The treatment is given under the supervision of a healthcare provider in a certified treatment center, like Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa, and patients are monitored for at least two hours after administration.
Spravato is typically recommended for adults with treatment-resistant depression. This means it’s intended for individuals who have tried at least two different types of antidepressant treatments during the current depressive episode, but have not seen significant improvement. However, whether Spravato is a good fit for a specific individual should be determined through a thorough consultation with a healthcare provider.
Fight Depression with Our Treatment in Chicago and Orlando
At Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa, we are dedicated to providing innovative and effective treatments for our patients. Our Spravato (esKetamine) treatment could be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for in your fight against depression. Schedule a consultation with us today and let us help you on your path to mental wellness.
