Persistent depression can be difficult to manage, especially when symptoms continue despite trying conventional treatment options. Low mood, lack of motivation, fatigue, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and loss of interest in everyday activities can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.
For some adults, depression may continue even after trying multiple antidepressants. When standard treatment has not provided adequate improvement, a psychiatric provider may evaluate whether treatment-resistant depression is present and whether an alternative approach could be appropriate.
One option that may be considered for eligible adults is SPRAVATO treatment. SPRAVATO contains esketamine and is administered under medical supervision as part of a structured treatment plan.
What Is Persistent Depression?
Persistent depression can refer to depressive symptoms that continue over time and interfere with daily functioning. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but commonly include:
- Ongoing sadness or low mood
- Loss of interest in activities
- Low motivation
- Fatigue or reduced energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep changes
- Appetite changes
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Difficulty maintaining normal routines
When symptoms continue despite appropriate treatment, a psychiatrist may reassess the diagnosis, previous medications, treatment response, and available treatment options.
When Can SPRAVATO Be Considered?
SPRAVATO treatment for depression is an option that may be considered for adults with treatment-resistant depression.
A provider may review a patient’s history of antidepressant treatment and determine whether previous medications provided sufficient improvement. Other factors, including current symptoms, medical history, medications, and overall health, may also be considered.
This evaluation is important because SPRAVATO is not suitable for everyone.
How Does SPRAVATO Treatment Work?
SPRAVATO contains esketamine, which works differently from many conventional antidepressants. Esketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that affects the glutamate system in the brain.
This different mechanism is one reason esketamine therapy may be considered for certain patients who have not responded adequately to traditional antidepressant treatment.
Patients interested in understanding the treatment in greater detail can also explore how SPRAVATO works for depression to learn more about its mechanism and treatment process.
What Happens During SPRAVATO Treatment?
SPRAVATO is administered as a nasal spray in an appropriate healthcare setting under professional supervision.
Before treatment, the healthcare team may assess the patient’s condition and check blood pressure. The medication is then administered according to the prescribed treatment plan.
Patients remain at the treatment facility for observation following administration. This is important because SPRAVATO can temporarily cause effects such as dissociation, dizziness, sedation, nausea, and increased blood pressure.
Because of these effects, patients need to follow their provider’s instructions regarding transportation, driving, and other activities following treatment.
How Is SPRAVATO Different From Traditional Antidepressants?
Traditional antidepressants and SPRAVATO work through different mechanisms.
Many commonly prescribed antidepressants primarily affect neurotransmitter systems such as serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine. Esketamine instead acts on the NMDA receptor and influences glutamate signaling.
This does not mean SPRAVATO is necessarily better than conventional medication. Rather, it provides another treatment approach that may be appropriate for specific patients.
A psychiatric provider can determine whether it makes sense based on an individual’s previous treatment experience.
Who May Be a Candidate for SPRAVATO?
A provider may consider several factors when evaluating someone for SPRAVATO treatment, including:
- Diagnosis and severity of depression
- Previous antidepressant treatments
- Response to previous medications
- Current medications
- Medical history
- Blood pressure
- Other health conditions
- Individual treatment goals
Certain medical conditions or medications may affect eligibility, so patients should provide their healthcare provider with complete and accurate medical information.
Potential Benefits of SPRAVATO Treatment
For appropriately selected patients, SPRAVATO may offer several potential advantages.
A Different Treatment Approach
Esketamine works through the glutamate system, providing a different mechanism from many conventional antidepressants.
Supervised Administration
SPRAVATO is administered under professional supervision, allowing the healthcare team to monitor the patient’s response.
An Option After Previous Treatments
For adults whose depression has not improved adequately with conventional antidepressants, SPRAVATO may provide another treatment option to discuss with a psychiatrist.
Individualized Treatment Planning
Treatment decisions can be based on symptoms, previous treatment history, medical considerations, and response over time.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
Patients should understand that SPRAVATO can cause side effects.
Commonly reported effects include:
- Dissociation
- Dizziness
- Sedation
- Nausea
- Increased blood pressure
- Headache
- Anxiety
These effects are one reason treatment is administered in a supervised setting. A healthcare provider can explain potential risks and determine whether SPRAVATO is appropriate for an individual patient.
How Long Does SPRAVATO Treatment Continue?
SPRAVATO is not generally a one-time treatment. It is administered through a structured course, with treatment frequency depending on the stage of therapy and the patient’s response.
The provider evaluates progress throughout treatment and determines whether continuing therapy is appropriate.
Patients should follow the treatment schedule recommended by their psychiatric provider rather than changing the frequency independently.
Finding the Right Depression Treatment
Persistent depression can be frustrating, particularly when previous treatments have not provided sufficient relief. However, patients may have additional options to discuss with a qualified psychiatric professional.
Family Care Psychiatry provides personalized psychiatric care and treatment options for individuals dealing with depression and other mental health concerns.
The practice serves patients in Ann Arbor, Canton, Brighton, Plymouth, Ypsilanti, and Chelsea, as well as surrounding communities across Washtenaw County, Wayne County, Livingston County, and Jackson County.
For people researching depression treatment options, a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation can help identify an appropriate approach based on symptoms, medical history, and previous treatment experience.
Final Thoughts
Persistent depression does not necessarily mean that available treatment options have been exhausted. For eligible adults with treatment-resistant depression, SPRAVATO treatment may offer a different approach worth discussing with a qualified psychiatric provider.
Esketamine works differently from many traditional antidepressants and requires supervised administration and ongoing clinical evaluation.
If depression continues despite previous treatment, speaking with a qualified mental health professional can help you understand whether SPRAVATO or another treatment approach may be appropriate for your individual needs.
