What Exactly is Spravato, and How Does it Work?
Esketamine is present in Spravato as an active component. It belongs to the antidepressant drug class, which is often used to treat various depressive conditions. Spravato is an antidepressant spray that is administered through the nose.
It is used to treat severe Major Depressive Disorder that is unresponsive to conventional antidepressants. Patients can use Spravato alone or in combination with other medications if their doctor recommends it.
As of August 2020, the FDA has also approved Spravato for acute suicidal ideation.
Usage Restrictions
Spravato is not a medication that is used to treat or relieve pain. There is no scientific evidence that spravato can be used as an anesthetic.
Similarly, there is no evidence that spravato is beneficial or safe for children.
Mechanism of Action
Spravato (Esketamine) differs from other antidepressants as it affects glutamate activity as opposed to other antidepressants that target Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that is prevalent in the brain and is classified as an excitatory chemical.
Glutamate also promotes the brain to remember and learn new things. When glutamate levels in the brain elevate, neuronal activity increases, which helps to ease depressive symptoms.
Spravato’s Administration:
Important Considerations to Make
Spravato is only delivered under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Intranasal administration and post-administration assessments by your specialist are part of the Spravato therapy protocol.
Evaluation of Blood Pressure
Before providing the Spravato dose, make sure the patient’s blood pressure is within normal limits. If the patient already has high blood pressure, there’s a chance it’ll go worse once they use Spravato.
Suggestions Regarding Solid And Liquid Consumption
It’s best to avoid eating 2 hours before Spravato and consuming fluids 30 minutes before Spravato because there’s a potential the patient can have nausea or vomiting following the treatment.
Intranasal Corticosteroid or Decongestant Usage
On a treatment day, patients who need an intranasal corticosteroid or decongestant should take them at least 1 hour or more before taking Spravato.
Sedation
If you feel dizzy or have the sense you’re going to pass out after starting the therapy, contact your healthcare provider straight away. Spravato can make you sleepy as well.
Drug Habituation
Inform your specialist if you’ve ever mistreated or mishandled prescription or illicit drugs, or if you’ve ever become addicted to alcohol before starting treatment because Spravato can induce substantial and psychological habituation.
Spravato: How to Use
If your doctor advised you to use Spravato, you can self-administer the medication by following your doctor’s instructions. Your doctor will first demonstrate how to use an intranasal device, after which you will be able to do it on your own by following the instructions on the medicine leaflet.
The Esketamine intranasal spray device has two sprays, one for each nostril. Your doctor will determine how many intranasal spray devices you require and how frequently you need follow-ups after evaluating your condition.
- For the first four weeks, experts advise patients to take Spravato twice a week.
- Some patients can use Sparavato once a week for a further four weeks if there is minimal improvement after four weeks.
- After this, doctors might administer one Spravato a week or every two weeks for some individuals.
Taking Spravato in Steps
- Your primary care physician or other medical services proficient will educate you to clean out your nose before utilizing the first intranasal spray device.
- Your healthcare provider will take the intranasal spray device out of the blister packaging, verify the expiry date and the visibility of the two green dots, and then provide it to you for use.
- Experts advise against priming the device because it will result in drug wastage. By positioning your thumb on the device, you can carefully hold it through the plunger or ejector.
- Position your head at a 45-degree angle to avoid wasting Spravato by ejecting it directly into the nostril.
- To correctly inhale the medicine, place the Spravato intranasal spray device inside one nostril and cover the other.
- While inhaling through your nose, carefully push the ejector until it stops.
- To retain the drug within your nose, carefully inhale after spraying.
- Switch sides and place the device tip in the other nostril. To administer the next spritz, redo the process.
- Your medical care proficient will take the pre-owned nasal device to ensure there are no green dots on the device indicator. In case if there is a green spot, you will be asked to re-spray into the subsequent nostril.
- Before going on to the next Spravato device, stay in the same position for at least 5 minutes.
- If any liquid spills out from your nose, wipe it with a clean handkerchief instead of blowing it out.
Spravato Side effects
Spravato has the potential to induce major adverse effects, such as:
- Breathing difficulties
- Extravagant drowsiness
- Unusual mood swings
- Depressive symptoms get worse
- Sleeping patterns that are peculiar
- Urination is becoming more frequent and painful
- Vision gets blurry
- Chest discomfort and pain
- Inflated blood pressure
- Feeling apprehensive
Before starting Spravato treatment, inform your primary care physician immediately in case you’re taking any of such meds like CNS depressants, psychostimulants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Cause a rundown of them to show your doctor and drug specialist when you purchase another prescription.
After consuming Spravato, try not to drive, avoid working on hardware, or engage in any activity that requires you to be fully awake. Try not to partake in these practices until the following day after having a peaceful rest.
Please read the whole prescribing instructions, such as the precaution and administration guide, before using Spravato. If you have any concerns, speak with a medical professional as soon as possible.
