When living with treatment-resistant depression, finding a sense of normalcy can seem daunting. If you’ve tried numerous antidepressants with little to no success, there may still be a reason for hope. Spravato (esketamine), a ground-breaking nasal spray, offers a new approach for those battling severe depression.
But starting any new treatment, especially one as innovative as Spravato, comes with questions, and rightly so. Having open and informed discussions with your healthcare provider is the first step towards making the right decision for your mental health.
Below, we outline 10 important questions you should ask your health provider before beginning Spravato treatment.
1. What is Spravato, and how does it work?
Understanding how a treatment works is crucial. Spravato is a nasal spray containing esketamine, a derivative of ketamine. Unlike traditional antidepressants, Spravato targets NMDA receptors in the brain, which can affect mood and depression symptoms more quickly.
Ask your provider to explain Spravato’s mechanism and how it differs from the medications you’ve tried before. This will help you feel confident about why this treatment could be suitable for you.
2. Am I eligible for Spravato?
Spravato, ketamine therapy, is specifically designed for adults with treatment-resistant depression. That means you need to have tried at least two other types of antidepressants without success.
Clarify with your doctor whether you meet the eligibility criteria and discuss any other medical or psychological conditions you may have that could impact your suitability for treatment.
3. What does the treatment process involve?
Spravato treatment isn’t something you can take home and use like regular medication. It must be administered in a certified medical office under supervision.
Ask your provider about what a typical treatment session entails—how long it lasts, what happens during the visit, and how often you’ll need appointments.
4. What are the common side effects of Spravato?
While Spravato offers hope, it’s important to understand its potential side effects. Common side effects can include dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, dissociation, and sedation.
Discuss in detail how these might affect your daily life and what measures are in place to help manage them if they occur.
5. How quickly will I see results?
Spravato is known for acting faster than traditional antidepressants, with some patients noticing improvements within hours or days.
Ask your healthcare provider to set realistic expectations about when you might begin to feel relief and how long it could take to experience significant changes.
6. How long will I need to undergo treatment?
Treatment duration for Spravato varies depending on individual needs. It often begins with a more frequent schedule in the initial weeks before tapering off to a maintenance phase.
Talk to your doctor about what your treatment plan will look like and for how long you might require it.
7. How much does Spravato cost, and is it covered by insurance?
Spravato isn’t cheap. Coverage and affordability are important concerns for many patients.
Find out if your health insurance plan will cover the treatment or if there are financial assistance programmes available. Understanding upfront costs will help you prepare and avoid surprises.
8. Can I continue taking my current medications?
If you’re already on antidepressants or other medications, ask your provider how Spravato might interact with them. Some medications can be taken in conjunction, while others may need to be adjusted or discontinued.
9. What should I do before and after each treatment session?
Since Spravato can cause sedation and dissociation, preparation is key.
Talk to your doctor about what precautions you should take before each session. For example, will you need someone to take you home? What activities should you avoid post-treatment? Do you need to take time off of work?
10. What support is available during treatment?
Dealing with depression and undergoing new treatments can be overwhelming.
Ask your provider about additional support resources, such as therapy sessions, support groups, or contact with mental health professionals outside of treatment hours.
Take the Next Step Towards Relief
Spravato offers hope and help to those struggling with treatment-resistant depression, but being informed is essential to making the right choice. By asking these questions, you’ll ensure you fully understand the benefits, risks, and what to expect during treatment.
If you’re in Long Island or Greater New York and want to learn more about whether Spravato could be right for you, contact us at Clearwave Psychiatry and TMS Medical clinics or schedule a consultation today. Your mental health deserves nothing less than an informed, proactive approach.
We are a proudly New York State mental health facility with clinics in Poughkeepsie, Middletown, Valhalla, Nanuet, Garden City and Latham.
