People all over the country are looking to ketamine as a new way to treat treatment-resistant depression. One application of ketamine for depression treatment is a brand-name nasal spray inhaler, Spravato. Spravato makes ketamine applications quick and easy and can provide a number of benefits to people who may not be good candidates for ketamine infusions. But, what is Spravato nasal spray and what should you know about this type of treatment for depressive disorders before determining if it’s a right fit for you?
Frequently Asked Questions About Spravato Nasal Spray
Before starting treatment for mental health like Spravato, you’re likely to have many questions. Getting all of your questions answered about Spravato treatment can help you step into treatment sessions feeling confident and well-informed about your decision. And, allow you to have access to education about what you can expect during treatment sessions, potential side effects, and more so that you can feel confident during the process.
Some FAWs about Spravato nasal spray treatment include:
Is Spravato the Same as Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Ketamine is a medical substance that’s used in the treatment of mood disorders like depression as it has little-known side effects and boasts successful results. Both ketamine infusion therapy and Spravato nasal inhalers use ketamine as the sole active medication. However, their main difference is administration. Ketamine infusions administer ketamine directly into the bloodstream via intravenous infusion, or IV. Spravato nasal spray administers ketamine into the body through a nasal inhaler. While both treatments harness the same results and utilize the same medication, they are different in their approach. So, no, Spravato is different from ketamine infusion therapy.
People who have trouble with needles or need a quicker administration method may consider Spravato as an alternative to ketamine infusions.
Is Spravato Something I Can Use at Home?
No. Spravato nasal spray is administered by a medical professional, typically at mental health treatment facilities. This is so that the correct dosage is administered with each application. And, so that the safety of patients is a priority as supervision of these administrations can help to reduce risks associated with potential side effects like disorientation.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Spravato?
There are some people who aren’t good candidates for Spravato nasal spray treatments. So, it can be helpful to determine whether or not you may be a good candidate for this type of treatment before looking further into it. Some reasons a person may not be a good fit for Spravato treatments can include:
- an allergy to ketamine
- a history of aneurysms or other blood vessel issues
- diagnosis of heart disease
- diagnosis of brain disease
- pregnancy
It’s important to be open and honest with your treatment provider about any medical history you have and the medications you may be taking to best determine if you’re a good candidate for Spravato.
Getting Help for Depression With Spravato
If you think that you may be a good candidate for Spravato and want to learn more about how it can help with symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, find out more about this treatment available at Synchrony Brain Health.
