Spravato

If you’ve tried traditional mental health treatments for depression without success, see the experts at Axis Integrated Mental Health in Louisville and Aurora, Colorado. The outstanding mental health team offers Spravato® nasal spray to diminish the constant sadness associated with depression and suicidal thoughts. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation at Axis Integrated Mental Health by phone or request one online today to determine if Spravato is right for you.

What is Spravato?

Spravato is a name-brand medication available as a nasal spray that contains ketamine, an anesthetic sometimes used to treat various forms of depression. Spravato nasal spray is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). It is for use when traditional treatments fail to provide relief. 

How does Spravato work?

Spravato and other forms of ketamine work by altering activity in the brain, leading to enhanced interconnections and better synapse-neuron communication. This treatment improves the connection between the emotional and logical sides of the brain. You typically take Spravato with another depression medication. 

Which conditions can Spravato treat?

Patients may be candidates for Spravato if they struggle with:

Treatment-resistant depression

Treatment-resistant depression is characterized by constant or extreme sadness that hasn’t gotten better after trying traditional depression medications. 

Major depressive disorder

Patients with major depressive disorder have persistent irritability and sadness (clinical depression). It’s a common mental health disorder in the United States. 

Suicidal ideation

Spravato can reduce or eliminate thoughts of suicide in patients struggling with depression. 

Am I a candidate for Spravato?

To determine if you’re a candidate for Spravato, the Axis Integrated Mental Health team completes physical and mental health exams. During a psychiatric evaluation, they ask questions about your moods, past treatments, current medications, emotions, medical history, and lifestyle. They tailor a depression treatment that’s best suited for you.

What should I expect during Spravato treatment?

Avoid food and drinks before ketamine treatment as directed by your provider. During Spravato treatment at Axis Integrated Mental Health, you undergo two treatment sessions weekly during the first four weeks. Throughout the second four weeks, you receive one treatment weekly at the Axis Integrated Mental Health office. You cannot take Spravato at home — you must be under supervision during treatment.

After a period of eight weeks, you can taper off the treatments based on what is tolerable for your situation and your unique treatment response. 

It takes about 10 minutes for Spravato nasal spray to take effect. Side effects may include:

• Dizziness
• Out-of-body experience
• Sedation
• Nausea
• Headache
• Feeling drunk
• Anxiety
• Excitability
• Need to urinate

During Spravato treatment, you have access to curated music, eye masks, noise-canceling headphones, warm blankets, and comfortable chairs. 

Because of the potential side effects of ketamine, this medication is administered at the Axis Integrated Mental Health office, and you remain in the clinic until any side effects wear off. Have a family member or friend drive you home, and avoid driving until the following day.

The most intense side effects typically take place during the first two treatment sessions, gradually becoming less intense over time. 

You might undergo psychotherapy, nutrition or lifestyle coaching, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), acupuncture, or other drug-free treatments for depression as well. 

The Axis Integrated Mental Health team helps reduce the cost of mental health care for patients by calling insurance companies on their behalf. 

Schedule an in-person or telehealth Spravato evaluation at Axis Integrated Mental Health by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.