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?