For individuals struggling with symptoms of depression, finding a treatment that works can be an uphill battle. If you have tried antidepressants or psychotherapy without success, you may be a candidate for Spravato. Many people interested in this effective treatment have questions about the potential side effects of Spravato in Fairfax. Our clinical team is here to help you understand what mental and physical side effects you may experience.
Spravato is an FDA-approved treatment for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation in adults. It is administered as a nasal spray containing esketamine, which works by acting on the brain’s NDMA receptors to modulate glutamate, balancing neurotransmitters, and regulating mood.
Spravato can be lifesaving for people in Fairfax with severe depression who have not responded to other treatments. Research shows that 88% of patients experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of depression after three months of Spravato use, some of whom felt a complete resolution of symptoms. This treatment is most effective when administered on a phase-based dosing schedule, which includes treatment for 8+ weeks that decreases in consistency over time.
Spravato is FDA-cleared as an effective treatment for depression that is considered generally safe and well-tolerated by most people. As with any medical treatment, you may experience some side effects of Spravato during or immediately after your sessions in Fairfax. These can include:
Patients come to our clinic for administration of Spravato nasal spray under the guidance of our dedicated clinical team. We will monitor your mental and physical health throughout the duration of your sessions to ensure your safety and manage any side effects that may arise.
There are a few risks of Spravato to be aware of prior to scheduling your Fairfax sessions. This esketamine-based nasal spray works as a sedative, so it often causes drowsiness or sleepiness. To ensure your safety, we require that you arrange for someone to pick you up after your Spravato sessions, as driving home can be unsafe.
Spravato can temporarily slow your breathing, which can be dangerous for patients with certain respiratory conditions. It can also cause temporary spikes in blood pressure. In patients with uncontrolled hypertension, this may increase their risk of certain complications like stroke, aneurysm, or cardiac problems.
Another important risk to be aware of with Spravato use is that taking any antidepressant medication has the potential to increase suicidal ideation. Spravato is FDA-approved to treat suicidal thoughts in adults, so we do not anticipate this happening as a result of this medication. However, it is vital to monitor your mood and emotional state during your Spravato treatment course and let us know if you are experiencing any negative changes.
Spravato is a great option for many individuals who are experiencing symptoms of depression and have not found relief from traditional methods. The best way to know if you are a candidate for Spravato is by scheduling an apointment at our office. Here, one of our board-certified psychiatry providers will meet with you for an initial evaluation. We will ask you questions about your medical and psychiatric history, including any previous treatments you have tried. Once we get a sense of your unique mental health needs and goals, we can consider the side effects and risks of Spravato to determine your eligibility for treatments and begin to schedule you for sessions in Fairfax.
If you have any questions about the potential side effects of Spravato in Fairfax, our expert clinical team is here to We are here to support you every step of the way, including helping you understand what to expect from your treatments so you can make informed decisions for your care. Call today to discuss your options.