Depression can be a debilitating illness with symptoms that many people struggle with throughout their lives. However, hope is on the horizon. Esketamine nasal spray, also known by its brand name SPRAVATO, is a prescription medicine used to treat Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). In many cases, it has been found to reduce depressive symptoms and improve outlook after the first treatment.
Interested in learning more? Read on for a deeper look at what esketamine is and how to prepare for your first treatment.
What Is Esketamine Nasal Spray?
Esketamine nasal spray is a prescription medicine used to treat adults living with treatment-resistant depression, which is diagnosed when someone struggling with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) hasn’t found relief after trying two or more medications. This depression therapy is given as part of a larger treatment plan that often includes psychotherapy and life changes in order to help improve and restore feelings of well-being and enthusiasm for life.
Learn more about what esketamine is and how it works.
How Esketamine Helps Treat Depression
Esketamine therapy offers several benefits to people living with depression, most notably by quickly increasing communication between nerve cells and restoring balance to certain areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. In many cases, thanks to its fast-acting formula, esketamine has been found to reduce depressive symptoms and improve outlook within hours after the first treatment.
While this quick relief is beneficial – and enticing – to those suffering from depression, it’s important to note that the full effects of treatment won’t be felt until completing the full course, which usually consists of 12 treatments over 2months.
The 5 amazing benefits of esketamine nasal spray.
Preparing for Esketamine Treatment
Before undergoing esketamine therapy, it’s important to understand what to expect before, during, and after each session. First and foremost, it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions when preparing for an esketamine nasal spray treatment.
Before beginning treatment, your doctor will go over medications currently being taken as well as any potential interactions with esketamine. Make sure to provide all necessary medical information, such as medicine names and doses, and insurance information. It’s also important to bring up any chronic illnesses or conditions before treatment, such as asthma or high blood pressure, or psychiatric conditions, like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. During this conversation, be sure to ask all questions you have in regards to treatment, medication interactions, or any other concerns you may have.
Eating and drinking instructions provided by the doctor should be followed, including avoiding caffeine and sugary foods and drinks for at least 8 hours prior to esketamine treatment. Your doctor may also recommend avoiding certain activities that could impact results or cause intense side effects, such as operating machinery, exercising intensely, or engaging in high-stress activities.
Since esketamine is considered a controlled substance, treatments will take place in a clinical setting. During the treatment, you will self-administer the nasal spray while being monitored by a healthcare professional. Some people find it helpful to bring items of comfort like a blanket or favorite playlist.
After administering treatment, you will stay at the healthcare provider’s office for at least two hours for monitoring. It’s common to feel “out of it,” so you’ll want to arrange transportation home, as you will not be permitted drive, or return to work/school directly following treatment.
Potential Esketamine Side Effects
Esketamine nasal spray has the potential to cause several side effects, including nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness. While these effects cannot be completely avoided, several steps can be taken to reduce them, including drinking plenty of fluids and limiting movement after treatment. It’s also important to get lots of rest before and after treatment, as fatigue can result in increased side effects.
Learn more about the side effects of esketamine.
Esketamine nasal spray can be a beneficial treatment option for those looking to reduce their depressive symptoms. To ensure its effectiveness, it is important to properly prepare and follow all the necessary steps before the appointment. This includes understanding what to expect during treatment, such as eating and drinking instructions, what to bring to the appointment, and discussing medication with the doctor.
If you think esketamine nasal spray could be the right treatment option for you, call us at 888-789-6013 to schedule a free mental health consultation. You deserve to feel better.
