SPRAVATO®
SPRAVATO® is the first FDA-approved nasal spray to help with treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder. TMS Institute of Arizona is one of the few centers in the U.S. that offers SPRAVATO®, and both Dr. Ruchir P. Patel and Dr. Suzanne Tariot-Beard are qualified to administer the SPRAVATO® therapy. As one of only two Risk Evaluation & Mitigation Strategy (REMS)-certified SPRAVATO® treatment centers in Scottsdale, we are committed to helping patients manage their severe depression. This treatment is typically covered by most health insurance policies to treat moderate to severe major depressive disorder in patients with or without suicidality. Call 480-668-3599 to schedule a detailed evaluation.
How SPRAVATO® Works
Designed for those with a high unmet need, SPRAVATO® is a non-competitive, non-selective antagonist of the glutamate receptor NMDA. When used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, it can be an effective tool for some patients who are struggling with depression management. Although it is sometimes referred to as a nasal ketamine treatment, and SPRAVATO® and ketamine are chemically related, the two are not the same. SPRAVATO® has undergone comprehensive clinical trials that laid the foundation for FDA approval whereas ketamine has not.
SPRAVATO® is only available via REMS-certified programs, like the one at TMS Institute of Arizona, in order to mitigate risks of potentially serious side effects sometimes associated with SPRAVATO®. This may include sedation and dissociation related to SPRAVATO® administration as well as misuse or abuse. As such, SPRAVATO® is only given to patients in medically supervised settings.
SPRAVATO® is not dispensed or intended for home use. In trials, 48–61 percent of people experienced sedation due to this treatment, so it is required for patients to have a reliable ride from their in-clinic session. Please note that SPRAVATO® has not demonstrated an effectiveness of stopping suicide or minimizing suicidal ideation in trials, and using it does not necessarily preclude hospitalization if deemed necessary.
Depression in Patients
Depression is a very common mental disorder that affects more than 300 million people globally. There are a variety of treatments offered for depression, including SPRAVATO®, TMS Therapy, MeRT, and more. Call to schedule a detailed evaluation to determine the best treatment plan for your particular needs.
What to Expect with SPRAVATO®
On the day of your treatment, ensure that you have a reliable companion with you. Dr. Patel or Dr. Tariot-Beard will administer the treatment and provide medical supervision for at least two hours following your dosage. They will watch for any signs of fatigue, dizziness, disconnection, or changes in vital signs. Even following the two-hour monitoring, patients should not drive—operating heavy machinery should wait at least one day, and should only follow a restful night’s sleep.
SPRAVATO® is not a standalone treatment, but may be a helpful tool for those who are not satisfied with the results of antidepressants alone. If you are struggling with major depressive disorder and think you need more than oral pharmaceutical to manage your depression symptoms, SPRAVATO® might be for you. It is non-invasive and the treatment plan easily fits into busy schedules with a tapering method. SPRAVATO® is administered in-clinic twice per week for the first month, once per week in the second month, and then just twice per month moving forward. Oral antidepressants should continue to be taken during this time.
If you are interested in learning more about SPRAVATO® and if it might be for you, get in touch with TMS Institute of Arizona today. We are dedicated to helping our patients find the right treatments and approaches that work for them. Contact us today by calling 480-668-3599 during business hours or, for the quickest response, complete the online contact form right now.
