Spravato® (Esketamine) Nasal Spray for Depression
An Alternative Treatment for Depression
Are you an adult that struggles with Treatment Resistant Depression or Major Depressive Disorder? Are you looking for ketamine therapy or a medication alternative to help treat your depression? Spravato® (Esketamine) nasal spray may be an option. As you explore your alternative treatment choices, trust our team at OHM Mental Health to help determine the best treatment plan for you. We understand that you are unique, and we are here to create a personalized solution that is as unique as you are.
What is Esketamine Nasal Spray?
Esketamine Nasal Spray is a proven treatment option for depression – especially Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and Major Depressive Disorder with suicidal ideation (MDSI). Esketamine nasal spray is derived from ketamine treatment which was first developed in the 1960s and is used to treat a variety of disorders.
Esketamine nasal spray is generally administered in conjunction with your current antidepressant and is self-administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional. OHM Mental Health is a certified Spravato® treatment center.
Why Use Spravato® Esketamine Nasal Spray?
Each person with depression has unique needs and oral medications or other therapies may not always be successful. Spravato® Esketamine nasal spray offers an option to supplement oral medication or be an alternative to medication. Our team will work with you to determine if Esketamine nasal spray is right for you.
How Spravato® Works with the Brain
Unlike other antidepressant medications or therapies, Spravato® Esketamine nasal spray increases a chemical called glutamate in the brain that is not generated by conventional antidepressant medications. Glutamate is a powerful excitatory neurotransmitter that regulates learning and memory. As glutamate levels increase, the neurotransmitter starts to “excite” cells in the brain. Glutamate also encourages the brain to learn, memorize, and become accustomed to this excited state of mind, helping to combat the symptoms of depression.
The Treatment Process
Spravato® (Esketamine) is self-administered via nasal spray in our comfortable outpatient office setting under the supervision of our certified Spravato® providers. A typical treatment schedule lasts eight or more weeks. Following each treatment, our experienced team will monitor you for two hours. You will need to coordinate transportation to take you home,
Induction Phase (Weeks 1-4)
You will come to the office twice per week for treatments.
Maintenance Phase (Weeks 5-8)
You will come to the office twice per week for treatments.
After Week 8
The dosing strength and frequency will be based on your individual response and your clinician’s judgment.
Is Esketamine nasal spray right for you?
Esketamine nasal spray is not for everyone and thus is rarely used as a first course of treatment. However, it has successfully helped many people through supplementing other treatments that may not have worked as originally hoped.
To see if Esketamine nasal spray is an option for treating your depression, you will need to work with your provider to determine eligibility and to rule out conditions that might make Esketamine nasal spray inappropriate. Our caring and supportive team can help decide if Spravato® treatment in an option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are side effects of Spravato® (Esketamine) nasal spray?
- Common side effects include sedation, dissociation, and increased blood pressure during treatment. A trained professional will monitor you during and after treatment.
Additional resources
- More information, including a full list of potential side effects, can be found at For more information about Spravato®, visit www.Spravato.com.
How much does it cost?
- Due to its innovative treatment and proven efficacy, Esketamine nasal spray may be covered by your insurance health plan. Many insurance companies have established medical coverage policies. The specialty pharmacy will determine eligibility.
- As coverage and payment can vary based upon the patient’s specific plan and guidelines, it is best to contact your insurance company to verify eligibility, benefits, and coverage for Esketamine nasal spray.