The FDA recently cleared Spravato® as the first nasal spray for difficult to treat depression, proving high effectiveness when other medications haven’t worked. Spravato® doesn’t come without any risks or side effects, but most of them are incredibly minimal when compared with what it feels like to live with depression.
What Is Spravato®?
Spravato® is the brand name for a medication called esketamine, which has been approved by the FDA for difficult-to-treat depression and major depressive disorder symptoms with suicidal thoughts. It belongs to a class of drugs known as NMDA receptor antagonists, which target glutamate receptors in the brain. Glutamate works to “excite” all the other neurotransmitters in the brain, increasing overall activity and function.
Spravato® is administered through a nasal spray and is typically given twice a week for the first four weeks, followed by a maintenance dose every one to two weeks. It is not intended to be used as a stand-alone treatment for depression, and instead is paired with approaches like individual therapy and other antidepressant medication. The timeline for treatment with Spravato® will depend on your unique symptoms and needs.
Working With Your Care Team to Alleviate Spravato® Side Effects
The best approach to managing potential side effects of Spravato® is to work closely with your treatment team. Discuss your concerns and any changes in symptoms or side effects with them both during your dose and afterward. They can help monitor your progress, adjust the dosage if needed, and provide support throughout your treatment journey.
Northeast Health Services has REMS Certified providers. REMS Certification is a process designed to ensure that healthcare providers possess the necessary knowledge and skills to safely and effectively manage the use of certain medications, particularly those with known risks or complexities. By obtaining a REMS Certification, healthcare providers demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high standards of patient care and safety.
Common Side Effects of Spravato®
As with any medication, there are some potential side effects associated with Spravato®. While Spravato® is considered very low-risk, it’s crucial to remember that everyone responds differently to medications.
Common side effects of Spravato® include:
- Sleepiness or feeling sedated
- Fainting
- Dizziness, spinning sensation
- Anxiety
- Dissociation, when you feel disconnected from yourself, feelings, space and time
These effects are typically mild and resolve quickly after administering, but a healthcare professional will monitor you for two hours after you take your dose to ensure you stay as comfortable as possible. Additionally, they can react in case you experience any more significant effects.
Serious Spravato® Side Effects
In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur after a dose of Spravato®:
- Increased blood pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Problems thinking clearly
- Bladder problems
It’s essential to tell your healthcare provider immediately if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, a sudden headache, or change in vision, or if you feel like you might pass out after taking Spravato®. Our specialists closely monitor clients for two hours after delivering the nasal spray to watch for these effects and ensure safety.
Spravato® Comes With a Warning for Suicidality
Many antidepressants, including Spravato®, come with a serious warning of increased suicidal thoughts and actions, especially within the first few months of treatment. Be sure to tell your care team immediately if you start to experience new or sudden changes in your mood, behavior, or feelings, or if you develop suicidal thoughts.
If you are feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for immediate support by contacting your local emergency services, visiting your local emergency room, or calling/texting the National Crisis Hotline at 988.
Who Shouldn’t Take Spravato®
As with most medications, Spravato® isn’t appropriate for everyone with hard-to-treat depression. Some people with blood vessel diseases, arteriovenous malformation, bleeding in the brain, or an allergy are likely not going to be a good fit. Additionally, those who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant will want to talk to their provider about safety.
For those who might not be eligible for Spravato®, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be a better fit. Our experts will take into account for whole health history and any concerns you have to help determine which treatment may be best for your concerns.
Call Northeast Health Services Today to Get Started
If you or a loved one is living with treatment-resistant depression and you’re interested in learning more about Spravato® as a potential treatment option, contact Northeast Health Services today by calling 508.794.8711 or schedule an appointment. For existing clients, find your office location to contact them directly.
Our team can answer any questions you may have and provide more information about our treatment approach. Together, we can work toward finding an effective solution for managing depression symptoms and improving your overall well-being.
FAQs About Spravato®
Does Spravato® have long-term side effects?
Spravato® is incredibly safe for long-term use, with very few side effects that last past a few hours. However, there is a slight chance that someone with high blood pressure could experience long-term vascular issues after continued use, which is why Spravato® is not recommended for people with vascular concerns.
How does Spravato® make you feel?
Many people recount their experience taking Spravato® as if they were in a dream, as it can cause mild dissociation right after treatment. Some report that it feels like they were watching the experience from afar.
Does Spravato® impact your memory?
After clinical testing, many people experienced a brief decline in cognition and memory, which resolved after about 40 minutes. Slight issues with memory right after your dose shouldn’t be concerning, but if memory or thinking problems persist you should tell your healthcare provider.
Can Spravato® cause high blood pressure?
Yes, Spravato® can cause a brief spike in blood pressure levels. It typically peaks around 40 minutes after administering, and can last around four hours. This is part of why clients must remain under observation for two hours after taking their dose.
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