A New Way Forward in Fighting Depression


Mental Health

SPRAVATO® (esketamine) CIII nasal spray is a newly FDA-approved medication for treatment-resistant depression. It is the first and only antidepressant approved for this indication that works in a completely new way. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or even months to start working, SPRAVATO® begins to work within hours. In addition, it has been shown to be effective in patients who have not responded to other treatments. 

Who can Take Spravato?

  •  Adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)

  •  Depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions

How is Spravato administered?

Patients using SPRAVATO® should not drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how the medicine affects them. Patients should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking SPAVATO®, as it may increase drowsiness and dizziness. If you are not sure if you have any of the above conditions, talk to your healthcare provider before taking SPRAVATO®.

What are the possible side effects of Spravato?

Some of the potential side effects associated with SPRAVATO® are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and temporary changes in blood pressure and heart rate. All patients who are taking SPRAVATO® are closely monitored by our staff who will adjust the dosage as needed to minimize side effects.

Do not take SPRAVATO if you:

  • Have blood vessel (aneurysmal vascular) disease (including in the brain, chest, abdominal aorta, arms and legs)

  • Have an abnormal connection between your veins and arteries (arteriovenous malformation)

  • Have a history of bleeding in the brain

  • Are allergic to esketamine, ketamine, or any of the other ingredients in SPRAVATO®.

How is Spravato different from other treatments for depression?

SPRAVATO® (esketamine) CIII nasal spray, is the first and only FDA-approved treatment shown to significantly reduce depressive symptoms within two days in people who haven't responded to other medications. The active ingredient in SPRAVATO®, esketamine, belongs to a class of medicines called NMDA receptor antagonists. It works differently than most currently available antidepressants, which target the monoaminergic system. 

What is the cost of Spravato? 



At Pain & Spine Physicians of San Antonio, we're proud to offer this treatment to our patients. If you're interested in learning more about SPRAVATO, we encourage you to contact us today. We'd be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you get on the path to recovery.

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