Spravato treatment has gained attention as a potential breakthrough for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression. As the only FDA-approved and insurance-covered ketamine therapy available to the public, it has been rigorously studied and proven to be safe and effective when administered in-clinic. Many patients have heard about the advances made with this cutting-edge treatment and wondered, "How can I find Spravato Treatment near me?" In this blog post, we'll delve into this topic, providing you with a comprehensive guide to finding Spravato treatment centers, sharing our patient reviews, and managing the cost of treatment.
Spravato, also known as esketamine, is an FDA-approved nasal spray used in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression. It is specifically designed for individuals who have not responded well to other depression treatments, such as antidepressant medications.
Spravato works by targeting a different mechanism in the brain compared to traditional antidepressant medications. It interacts with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which is believed to play a role in depression. By targeting this receptor, Spravato aims to provide relief for individuals who have not found success with other treatment options.
In laymen's terms, the medication works by improving communication in the brain through rapid development of new synapses in the brain, rather than flooding the brain with more neurotransmitters like serotonin. By helping the brain reorganize itself with this improved neuroplasticity, patients experience rapid relief of the symptoms of depression.
Patients undergoing Spravato treatment are required in the first month to come into the clinic twice a week for a 2-hour visit. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, patients are ushered into a private room with a zero-gravity chair, eye masks, blanket, and candy to counteract the bitter taste of the nasal spray. In the first week, patients inhale two applicators of esketamine, increasing to three applicators in the second week if the treatment is well tolerated. During treatment, patients are monitored visually and vitals are checked to ensure that blood pressure, oxygenation levels, and breathing are stable during the two hours of treatment.
In the second month of treatment, patients come in for treatment once a week.
Read on if you'd like to hear more Spravato treatment reviews from our patients.
Typically, patients continue Spravato Treatment once or twice a month after the induction phase. This is highly dependent on each individual and treatment requirements will be discussed with your provider based on your reaction to treatment and its benefit. In some cases, patients may titrate down more slowly depending on the severity of the condition. Patients can continue the treatment indefinitely as long as they benefit from the treatment.
Unlike ketamine infusions or injections, insurance will cover Spravato treatment. A detailed explanation of Spravato costs can be found on our website.
Disassociation is one of the biggest side effects of Spravato treatment, although many patients report it is gentler and less volatile than ketamine infusions and intramuscular injections. Contrary to popular belief, having a disassociation from reality is not necessary for the medication to work. It is considered a side-effect, and not proof that the treatment is effective.
Nausea and vomiting are other potential side effects to the treatment. In such cases, your provider may pre-treat you with anti-emetics like Zofran to manage nausea.
Hypoxia, or low levels of oxygen, has also been observed on rare occasions in our clinic. But it does happen, which is why patients are closely monitored during treatment.
Many people also feel very tired after treatment and will need to rest more after they are discharged. We have found that the rest gained during this time is one of the ways that Spravato boosts healing from depression and anxiety, and while a mild side effect, it is also a benefit.
Finally, high-blood pressure may be caused. by the treatment. While we do have rescue meds in the office to treat blood pressure spikes, you may be referred back to your provider for daily blood pressure meds if we notice a trend that prevents us from safely treating you with Spravato.
When it comes to finding a Spravato treatment center near you, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Accreditation and Certification: Ensure that the treatment center you choose is accredited and certified to provide Spravato treatment. This ensures that they meet the necessary standards for safety and quality of care.
Location and Accessibility: Consider the location and accessibility of the treatment center. It's important to find a center that is convenient for you to access, especially considering the frequency of treatment sessions required.
Holistic Approach: Maximize your healing and reduce the time needed to recover by choosing a facility that offers more than just medications under one roof. Look for a provider that offers therapy, medication management, and other adjuncts to reduce the amount of time you need to deal with insurance companies and can streamline your treatment.
Insurance Management: Many providers will require you to do all the legwork when it comes to the insurance paperwork. Inquire about the treatment center's policies when it comes to the prior authorizations, savings card programs, and disability paperwork should you choose to take off of work during this time.
Hours of Operation: As noted in the side effects above, Spravato can make you very tired and unable to handle some of the normal tasks you may be responsible for like childcare or work. Look for a clinic that can work with your schedule by having late appointments or weekend hours.
Experience and Expertise: Look for treatment centers with experienced healthcare providers who specialize in depression and have a deep understanding of Spravato treatment.
Additional Services: Look for clinics that go above and beyond to help you heal. Our clinic provides complementary transportation services if you need a ride as well as social prescribing programs that help create positive connections during this time of healing.
Spravato Treatment Center Locator: Find the closest treatment centers to your zipcode by using this handy resource provided by the makers of Spravato. In most cases, you can go to an outpatient mental health clinic without a referral to begin your treatment.
Consult with your Healthcare Provider: Start by discussing Spravato treatment with your primary healthcare provider. They can provide recommendations and referrals to reputable treatment centers in your area. Please note that because of the nature of this treatment, most primary care physicians are not equipped to manage this treatment in-house and you will need to go to an out-patient center to get it.
Online Research: Utilize online resources, such as directories and review platforms, to find Spravato treatment centers near you. Look for centers with positive patient reviews and high ratings.
Understanding patient experiences and reviews can offer valuable insights into the effectiveness and side effects of Spravato treatment. Here's what you should know:
According to a study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice, many patients reported a significant reduction in depressive symptoms after receiving Spravato treatment. They also expressed gratitude for finally finding a treatment option that worked for them.
Please listen to some of our patient testimonials below to get a better sense of how real patients have felt about treatment:
Billie: "With Spravato, I was highly interested in how I would feel and I was scared. So the first time when you get the half dose, you just kind of feel a little numb and that's about it. It wasn't super exciting and I thought, oh, this is going to be easy. And then when you get the full dose, I was not quite prepared for having my eyes closed and seeing all these colors and different shapes and how they changed with the music and how important the music was. And I would open my eyes to make sure I knew where I was, but that went away and I got used to it. And if you ever feel something is wrong, there's always that button to push and somebody comes and helps. So even if you're having a say you're scared in one session because something comes up, there's someone there to help you trust."
Cody: "It's very easy for me to default to one main piece of advice to anybody that is considering this option. Don't be afraid. Don't be afraid of the experience, but even more importantly, don't be afraid of the work that you have to do, and I use that term work very purposefully. This is work. You come into this session, you sit on your phone the whole time you scroll through social media. You're wasting a profound and miraculous opportunity to tap into something deeper within yourself, have an intention and do the work."
Megan: "It's part of it that is important to want to talk about. I think that's part of the hardest bit of it is seeing the people who love me unable to help. I have a lot of really good people in my life and they ask me, what can I do to help you? And it's really hard for the answer to be, I don't know, or the answer to be nothing. Because if I knew how to help me, I would be doing it. But that changed to be able to talk to my friends and say, I accomplished this today or for my family to see the difference when I'm able to accomplish what I need to, has been just really huge to me."
While the effectiveness of Spravato treatment has been promising for many patients, it's important to consider the pros and cons (Please note that we highly encourage you to talk to a provider for medical advice):
Pros:
Potential relief from treatment-resistant depression
Quick onset of action compared to traditional antidepressants
Non-oral administration, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal side effects
Cons:
The necessity of multiple treatments per week initially
Potential side effects, such as dissociation and sedation
Cost of treatment
Spravato treatment can be a significant financial investment which we have mitigated significantly through our streamlined management of insurance coverage. We highly recommend you read our in-depth discussion of Spravato costs to understand how to make Spravato treatment affordable. Here are some factors to consider when assessing the cost:
Treatment Sessions: The number of treatment sessions required can influence the overall cost. Initially, more frequent sessions may be necessary, followed by a tapering schedule.
Healthcare Provider Fees: The fees charged by the healthcare provider administering the treatment will also contribute to the cost.
Insurance Coverage: Check with your insurance provider to determine if Spravato treatment is covered under your plan. Some insurance providers may cover a portion or all of the treatment costs.
Patient Assistance Programs: Explore patient assistance programs offered by the pharmaceutical company behind Spravato. These programs can help reduce the financial burden for eligible individuals.
Spravato withMe Savings Card: As discussed in the article we mentioned above, signing up for the Spravato withMe savings card that can make treatment as little as $10 per visit. Make sure that your provider is signing you up automatically for this program.
Finding Spravato treatment near you involves careful consideration of factors such as accreditation, experience, and location. Patient reviews can offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of Spravato, while understanding the cost and exploring potential financial assistance programs can help manage the financial aspect. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if Spravato treatment is suitable for you. By taking these steps, you can begin your journey toward finding relief from treatment-resistant depression.
If you're still wondering, "How do I find Spravato treatment near me?" after reading this blog, we apologize for not being clearer and encourage you to call us at 720.400.7025 to answer any lingering questions you may have.
