Mental health is an ever-evolving field of discovery. Once taboo, discussions around psychiatric disorders, including depression treatment, are now at the forefront of health care, allowing individuals multiple avenues to heal when long-standing traditional methods just don’t work.
One of those avenues is a relatively new option called esketamine therapy. Esketamine, also known by its brand name SPRAVATO, was FDA approved in 2019 for adult patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
How Does Esketamine Therapy Work?
Over time, depression, anxiety, and stress can damage the brain’s neurotransmitters and cause glutamate malfunction. Antidepressants are designed to raise neurotransmitter chemical levels that occur naturally in the brain, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Esketamine works similarly while also increasing glutamate levels to expand the drug’s impact on brain cells in a single dose. It is thought to lead to growth through the creation of new connections in the brain, regrowing or restoring glutamate receptors in order to alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms, thereby improving the patient’s mood.
Treatments are administered via nasal spray, which is used alongside antidepressants, and must be administered by specially trained medical personnel in a certified clinical setting.
The Ideal Candidate for Esketamine
Finding the right medication for depression can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. But for those who are struggling with MDD or TRD, esketamine may be the solution. Esketamine is FDA approved for patients who:
- Have tried at least two other antidepressants for a minimum of six weeks each, and have not experienced remission, or
- Did not have at least a 50% improvement in mood or depressive symptoms.
Currently, esketamine is only approved for adult TRD and MDD. However, studies show that it may also help with patients struggling with other mental health conditions such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, or eating disorders.
Benefits of Esketamine Therapy
It’s well known that antidepressants can take several weeks or even months to work as they build up in the body’s system and may need to be adjusted regularly for effectiveness. Unlike antidepressants, esketamine works quickly, with many patients experiencing relief after their first session.
As a result, esketamine is particularly beneficial for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, or depression that hasn’t improved after trying other antidepressants and therapy for at least a year. In fact, 69% of patients show improvement with esketamine after 8 treatments, while those who continue with treatment are more likely to show recovery from depression at their 12-month follow-up with esketamine versus medication.
There Is Hope for Depression Relief
If you aren’t finding relief from traditional depression medication or treatments, Mindful Health Solutions is here to help you find not just relief, but joy. Our experienced clinical leadership team has paved the way in innovative interventional treatment protocols through Spravato (Esketamine), supported by positive patient outcomes. Trust in our experts to not only provide exceptional and safe medical care, but to also remain committed to helping you find happiness every step of the way.
