Depression is a serious mental illness that affects millions of people each year. It can be difficult to treat, but researchers are always looking for new and innovative ways to help those who suffer from it. Recently, a new treatment called spravato has been approved by the FDA. This medication could be a game changer for those who struggle with depression. In this blog post, we will discuss what spravato is, how it works, and who should consider using it.
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Defining Depression
Depression is more than just feeling sad. It is a serious mental illness that can cause changes in mood, thinking, and physical health. It can make it difficult to function in everyday life and can even lead to suicide. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It is important to remember that depression is a real illness and not just something that someone can “snap out of”.
Some common symptoms of depression can include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep problems
- Loss of energy or fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to reach out to a mental health professional. Depression is treatable and there are many resources available to help you.
Defining Spravato
Spravato is a medication that was approved by the FDA in March 2019. It is a nasal spray form of esketamine, which is a derivative of ketamine. Ketamine has been used for years as an anesthetic, but it has also shown promise in treating depression. Spravato works by increasing levels of glutamate, which is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and emotion.
It is a fast-acting medication, which is one of the reasons it has been so well received. It can start working within hours or days, whereas other antidepressants can take weeks or even months to start working.
One must also keep in mind to note that spravato is not a cure for depression. It is meant to be used in conjunction with an antidepressant. It is also only meant for those who have failed to respond to other treatments.
How Does It Work?
Spravato is a medication that is sprayed into the nose. It is typically used two to three times per week. The recommended dose is 56 mg per nostril, but this may be increased or decreased based on the patient’s response.
The mechanisms of this medication are not fully understood, but it is thought to work by increasing levels of glutamate. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and emotion. This regulation may further help to alleviate the symptoms of depression.
It has also been observed that spravato may help to repair the connections between neurons. This repairing process is known as synaptic plasticity and it is thought to be impaired in those who suffer from depression.
Who Should Use Spravato?
Spravato is typically used in adults who have tried other antidepressants without success. It may be an option for those who have not responded to at least two different medications. It is important to note that spravato should not be used as a first-line treatment.
Spravato is also not recommended for pregnant women or children under the age of 18. If you are considering this medication, it is important to talk to your doctor about all of the risks and benefits.
Furthermore, spravato should not be used if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). This is because the combination of these two medications can cause serious side effects. Some other medications you may want to avoid include:
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Atypical antipsychotics
It is important to keep in touch with your doctor and mental health team while taking spravato. This medication can cause some serious side effects and it is important to be monitored closely.
Side Effects
The most common side effects associated with spravato include:
- Discomfort in the nose or throat
- Dizziness
- Feeling of dissociation
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sedation
These side effects are typically mild and go away on their own. More serious side effects are rare, but may include:
- Increased blood pressure
- Irregular heart rate
- Psychotic symptoms
- Intense feelings of sedation or dissociation
If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to seek medical help immediately. As with any medication, there are potential risks and side effects associated with spravato. However, this medication has shown promise in treating depression, which is a serious mental illness that can be difficult to treat.
Alternative Medications
If you can somehow not tolerate spravato there are other medications such as:
- Ketamine: Ketamine is an anesthetic that is sometimes used off-label to treat depression. It works by increasing levels of glutamate and GABA, which are neurotransmitters that help regulate mood.
- TMS: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain. It is typically used when other treatments have failed.
- ECT: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a controversial treatment that has been shown to be effective in treating severe depression. It works by inducing a seizure in the brain, which can further help to improve mood and emotion.
- ESKETAMINE: It is very similar to Spravato but is an intranasal medication.
- VNS: It is a device that goes around your neck and sends electrical impulses to your brain.
- DBS: It is a device that goes into your brain and sends electrical impulses to certain areas.
- RNS: It is a device that goes on the scalp and sends electrical impulses to the brain.
Each of these have there own set of side effects so please speak with your doctor to see if any of these could be a better fit for you.
Depression is a serious mental illness, but it is treatable. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available and treatments that can help. Spravato may be a new option, but it shows promise in the treatment of this debilitating illness.
Conclusion
Spravato is a new medication that has shown promise in treating depression. It is a fast-acting medication with few side effects. However, it is important to note that it is not a cure for depression and should only be used in conjunction with an antidepressant. If you are considering this medication, talk to your doctor about all of the risks and benefits. Spravato may be a good option for those who have not responded to other treatments.
For more information, please contact MantraCare. Depression is a mental illness characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities. If you have any queries regarding Online Depression Counseling experienced therapists at MantraCare can help: Book a trial Depression Therapy session
