Spravato
Spravato / Ketamine
Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray that is covered by most insurances for:
- adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
- depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior
What is Spravato?
Spravato (esketamine) CIII nasal spray is a prescription medicine that is used alongside antidepressants to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). It is the first FDA-approved nasal spray specifically for adults with depression.
More information about Spravato, its uses, risks, and potential benefits are available in this informational video, below:
Ask the Experts
Top doctors answer your top questions about Spravato.
Direct link: https://spravato.brightcovegallery.com/ask-the-expert
Does Spravato Work?
Clinical studies demonstrate that individuals who took Spravato along with oral antidepressants experienced greater reductions of symptoms compared to those who only received an oral antidepressant and a placebo. Studies further demonstrated that patients who took Spravato and participated in therapy were less likely to experience a return of depressive symptoms than those who stopped participating in therapy.
What to Expect as a Spravato Patient
A typical course of Spravato treatment includes:
- Administering Spravato twice per week for the first four weeks
- Administering Spravato once per week for the following four weeks
- Administering Spravato once weekly or bi-weekly depending on patient progress and consultations with their prescribing clinician
Have more questions? We'd love to help!
Will My Insurance Cover Spravato Treatment?
Every insurance company and insurance plan is different. At Ahwatukee Behavioral Health & Wellness, we’re here to help by simplifying the process and working with your insurance.
First, we perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether you may benefit from Spravato.
Second, if Spravato is appropriate for you based on your psychiatric provider’s assessment, ABHW staff will contact your insurance to determine your insurance’s coverage guidelines for Spravato. Most major insurances require: (1) that a patient has a diagnosis of depression, and (2) that a patient has not responded sufficiently to at least two different antidepressants. However, all insurances differ, and the ABHW team will help you understand your benefits.
Third, after we’ve contacted your insurance, we will discuss your coverage options with you, and what costs, if any, would be associated with your treatment.
Are There Side Effects?
There are side effects associated with Spravato, including dissociation, dizziness, nausea, feeling sleepy (sedation), spinning sensation, decreased feeling of sensitivity (numbness), feeling anxious, lack of energy, increased blood pressure, vomiting, feeling drunk, and feeling very happy or excited. If these side effects occur, they typically happen right away after taking Spravato, and go away the same day.
If you choose to receive Spravato, it will only be administered at ABHW’s offices under the supervision of one of ABHW’s providers who are certified under the Spravato Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. Your provider will discuss the risks associated with Spravato use and misuse before you begin treatment.
How is Spravato Different from Ketamine?
Ketamine is typically administered either via IV infusion or intramuscular injection. Moreover, it is not covered by any insurance companies for treatment of depression or depressive symptoms. Therefore, patients receiving ketamine treatments must pay cash.
Spravato, on the other hand, is covered by most major insurers as a depression treatment.
Have more questions? We'd love to help!
Who Should Not Take Spravato?
You should speak to your provider if you:
- have a history of using or being dependent on prescription or street drugs
- have a problem with alcohol
- are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
- take prescription over-the-counter medicines
- take vitamins or herbal supplements
In addition, individuals should not take Spravato if they have:
- Aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial and peripheral arterial vessels) or arteriovenous malformation
- History of intracerebral hemorrhage
- Hypersensitivity to esketamine, ketamine, or any of the excipients
Testimonials
Spravato has offered relief for individuals with depression above and beyond what they were able to receive from oral antidepressants. You can hear some of their stories below.
Direct link: https://spravato.brightcovegallery.com/nicole-story
Schedule a Spravato Assessment Today
During your first visit with one of ABHW’s psychiatric providers, you will receive a comprehensive psychiatric assessment that includes an evaluation of whether Spravato may be an appropriate treatment for you
