If your treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) or other mood disorders haven’t been successful, Aloha Integrative Health is a certified treatment center for Spravato™ that can offer relief for your symptoms and improve your quality of life. To learn more about this treatment, book an appointment at the San Diego, California, practice by calling the friendly office staff or booking online today.

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What is Spravato?

Spravato is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults who have not responded adequately to other antidepressant treatments. The generic name for Spravato is esketamine, which is a derivative of ketamine.

If you have tried two or more antidepressants without successful outcomes, Spravato offers a safe, noninvasive alternative.

How does Spravato work?

Spravato targets the brain’s glutamate system, specifically the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. The treatment is administered through a nasal spray that can relieve your depressive symptoms quickly when used alongside therapy. It’s also used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

The medication promotes the growth of new synaptic connections in your brain. This action excites your brain cells, which can help battle symptoms of depression.

Is Spravato safe?

Spravato does carry some potential risks and side effects, including:

  • Dissociation (feeling detached from oneself or surroundings)
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Sedation
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Increased heart rate

Due to these risks, treatment is administered by Spravato REMS (risk evaluation and mitigation strategy) certified professionals at Aloha Integrative Health, which is a certified treatment center for Spravato.

You remain under close supervision during your treatment and are monitored for at least two hours after each session. Most treatments are scheduled over 8 weeks, averaging 1-2 appointments weekly.

What are the benefits of Spravato?

One of the main benefits of Spravato is its potential to provide rapid relief of depressive symptoms. Clinical trials have shown that Spravato can lead to a significant reduction in symptoms of depression within hours or days, compared to weeks for traditional antidepressant medications. This quick onset of action may be especially beneficial for those experiencing severe depression or those at risk of suicide.

Other benefits include:

  • No needles
  • Works to heal the root cause of your depression
  • Aims for long-term relief and healing
  • Offers a supervised approach

If you’ve struggled to find relief from your depressive symptoms, Spravato also offers an additional option that targets a different mechanism in the brain compared to traditional antidepressants, which can give you hope and an opportunity for improved mental health.

Reach out to Aloha Integrative Health for an evaluation to find out if Spravato may be right for you. Call or book online today.