Spravato Specialist

What is Spravato?

Spravato is an FDA-approved prescription nasal spray used for treating adults with treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or actions. 

At the Ketamine Treatment Center, Dr. Jackson treats adults with Spravato in conjunction with oral antidepressant medication.

How does Spravato differ from ketamine infusion therapy?

Spravato and ketamine are similar, but they aren’t the same. Ketamine contains S-ketamine and R-ketamine molecules. Spravato is esketamine, which only has the more-potent S-ketamine molecule.

As far as administration goes, Spravato is a nasal spray, and ketamine infusion happens intravenously. Both treatments occur in the office at the Ketamine Treatment Center of East Tennessee while you’re under the care of Dr. Jackson and his compassionate staff.

Another difference is that, because Spravato is FDA-approved for psychiatric purposes, some insurance companies pay for it. However, you have to pay for Spravato at the time of treatment and then submit the receipt to your health insurance company.

Who is a candidate for Spravato?

Spravato is for adults with treatment-resistant depression and those who have suicidal thoughts or actions related to severe major depressive disorder. Treatment-resistant depression is when you don’t achieve adequate symptoms relief after trying two or more antidepressant medications.

Spravato may not be right for you if you have a history of certain medical conditions, including substance use disorder, blood vessel disease, or bleeding in the brain. 

What should I expect from a Spravato treatment?

First, Dr. Jackson carefully reviews your symptoms and medical history to make sure Spravato is the right treatment for you. Then, he determines an appropriate dosage and treatment schedule according to your needs.

Spravato treatment happens in the office at the Ketamine Treatment Center of East Tennessee.

Some people experience nausea and vomiting when they take Spravato, so you shouldn’t eat for at least two hours or drink liquids for 30 minutes before treatment.

After you administer the nasal spray, you remain at the center where Dr. Jackson and his team monitor your safety. You may feel dizzy, sleepy, and disconnected from yourself during the treatment. Even after the effects wear off, you’ll need someone to drive you home.

For more information about Spravato, call the Ketamine Treatment Center of East Tennessee, or book an appointment online today.