Psychedelic medicine is experiencing a renaissance, and Journey Healthcare is now offering physician-guided, evidence-based treatment with esketamine (Spravato) therapy.
What is Spravato
SPRAVATO® is a prescription nasal spray used in combination with an antidepressant to treat:
- Adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
- Depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have suicidal thoughts or actions
SPRAVATO® is the first FDA-approved nasal spray for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), which affects approximately 33% of individuals with depression.
Patients undergoing esketamine (Spravato) therapy may experience faster results, without the wait of weeks or months for the treatment to take effect. They may also avoid prolonged side effects or depression while assessing the medication’s effectiveness.
Spravato targets the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NDMA) receptor and is believed to work differently than currently available oral antidepressants.
Am I a candidate for Spravato?
If you’ve tried two or more antidepressants without sufficient relief you may be a candidate for Spravato.
Esketamine (Spravato) benefits often begin to appear within just hours and clinical trials with Spravato have shown peak mood elevation within 24-36 hours of treatment.
Esketamine (Spravato) offers patients a high success rate (50-70 percent) of reducing or eliminating severe depression symptoms opposed to traditional antidepressants boast a lower success rate (40-45 percent) and some do not work at all.
Esketamine (Spravato) therapy works fast and often!
Spravato is not used:
- As a medicine to prevent or relieve pain.
- To prevent suicide, reduce suicidal thoughts or actions, or replace hospitalizations, even if there is improvement after the first dose.
- Spravato is not for use in children.
How it works
Esketamine (Spravato) works differently from typical antidepressants by increasing glutamate levels, the most abundant neurotransmitter in the brain and nervous system.
Glutamate supports learning, memory, the sleep-wake cycle, and energy for brain cells. It also helps transmit signals between nerve cells and is essential for producing GABA, the “calming” neurotransmitter that regulates sleep, relaxation, anxiety, and muscle function.
Weeks 1-4
Two Times a Week
Weeks 5-8
Once a Week
Weeks 9+
Maintenance
Once a Week or Every Two Weeks
You and your healthcare provider will determine the duration of your SPRAVATO treatment based on:
- Your response to the medication
- The stability of your response
After 8 weeks of treatment, your provider will assess your progress and adjust the dosing frequency accordingly.
What to expect on treatment days:
In a clinical setting, patients relax in a comfortable chair with dimmed lights, listening to music or practicing mindfulness during esketamine (Spravato) treatment. They are encouraged to journal their experiences before and after treatments to set intentions for their journey.
Integration—reflecting on and applying lessons from treatment—is crucial for maximizing benefits. Somatic activities can further enhance the medicine’s impact, nourishing the mind, body, and spirit.
Each device delivers 2 sprays of esketamine, one in each nostril. You will administer the spray under supervision and be monitored for side effects for at least two hours. Since you won’t be able to drive, plan for transportation.
Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in alertness-dependent activities until the day after treatment, following a restful sleep.
Esketamine can offer sustainable mental health improvements, especially for those who haven’t found relief from traditional treatments. Benefits may include reduced depression and anxiety, increased openness, a greater sense of connection, more positivity, and less distress from life stressors.
Real patient with treatment-resistant depression testimonies
Nicole P., 23 – St. Peters, MO
Spravato helped Nicole’s treatment-resistant depression. Now, she’s resuming her education and sharing her story.
Allison’s Story
Allison’s son tried many oral antidepressants without relief. Now, because of Spravato Allison’s son is starting to feel like himself again.