Depression is a common mental health condition that can get severe if left untreated. It can lead to suicidal thoughts and overly affect how you relate with other people around you, including family and friends. Fortunately, with early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, you can improve your condition. The most common treatments for depression include medication, psychotherapy, and incorporating healthy lifestyle modifications. However, if any of these therapies fail or become ineffective, you might need to consider a spravato Atlanta treatment. This treatment works best for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Here is everything you might need to know about spravato treatment and how it can help you reduce depressive thoughts and emotions.
How Does Spravato Treatment Work?
Spravato is an FDA-approved treatment also known as esketamine. It treats major depressive disorder by boosting glutamate receptors which are the most excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain that helps to regulate learning and memory.
These brain receptors also help regulate your mood and train your mind to become comfortable with its current new state. As a result, your depressive moods begin to fade away. Spravato also helps strengthen and repair damaged or weakened neurotransmitters in the brain and encourages new cell development.
How Is Spravato Treatment Administered?
Sparavato treatment is a self-administered nasal spray. However, it requires strict supervision from your healthcare provider due to its adverse side effects. Also, it should not be taken independently without other forms of treatment such as oral anti-depressant drugs. Spravato is only meant to supplement your current medications and not replace them. Spravato should be taken for a recommended period of four months.
During your first month of treatment, you might need a maximum of two sessions a week. However, as treatment progresses for the remaining three months, the sessions might reduce in number depending on your doctor’s recommendations.
Who Is Eligible for Spravato Treatment?
Spravato treatment might be right for you if you suffer from a major depressive disorder or treatment-resistant depression. On the flip side, spravato treatment might not be right for you if you have a history of blood vessel disease, substance abuse, or allergies. Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, this treatment might not be appropriate for you. Consult your healthcare provider to confirm your eligibility.
Does Spravato Have Any Side Effects?
As with most antidepressant medications, you may develop potential side effects after getting spravato treatment. However, these side effects are usually temporary and mostly resolve after a few hours of receiving treatment.
Common side effects of using spravato include dizziness, nausea, dissociation, vomiting, increased blood pressure, vertigo, and sleepiness. These side effects might vary from one individual to another. Therefore, it would be best to discuss other potential side effects with your doctor.
How Do You Prepare for a Spravato Treatment?
Before your spravato treatment appointment, you should avoid eating or drinking liquids for at least two hours and 30 minutes, respectively. This step can help you manage the potential side effects of nausea or vomiting after treatment.
You might also need to arrange a pick-up from the treatment center since you might not be able to operate any machinery or drive after receiving treatment. Your doctor can also recommend bringing any entertainment for the session to help you stay alert or awake.
Depression can severely take a toll on your mental health and overall well-being. Fortunately, several effective treatment options, such as spravato, can help improve your moods and cognitive abilities. Also, while taking this treatment, you should make appointments with your therapist to determine your overall progress. If you are considering this treatment option, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
