The FDA approval of SPRAVATO (esketamine) nasal spray treatment, represents a step forward in depression treatment, offering rapid relief to those who have struggled with the often slow and limited effectiveness of traditional antidepressants. Many patients have reported significant improvements in their mood and overall quality of life, making it a valuable option for those who have exhausted other treatments.
SPRAVATO is a prescription medication that contains esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, which has long been known for its anesthetic properties. Unlike traditional antidepressants that primarily target neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, SPRAVATO is an NMDA receptor antagonist that is believed to work differently by acting on a pathway in the brain that affects glutamate (glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter [chemical messenger] in the brain).
This unique mechanism of action allows it to create rapid antidepressant effects, sometimes within hours to days, rather than the weeks required by conventional medications.
You will administer SPRAVATO® nasal spray yourself under the supervision of a physician at a certified SPRAVATO® treatment center.
SPRAVATO is intended for adults with:
Yes, most insurance companies cover SPRAVATO.
Like any medication, SPRAVATO comes with potential side effects, including:
Due to the risk of sedation and dissociation, patients are advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery the day of your treatment.
If you or a loved one are battling treatment-resistant depression or severe depressive symptoms, it may be worth discussing SPRAVATO with your doctor or therapist. A thorough evaluation will help determine if this innovative treatment is the right next step in your care plan.
Frequently asked questions and more detailed patient information can be found here: https://www.spravato.com/
Patients should continue care with their therapist or psychiatrist throughout their treatments.
Iris Mejia, RN, is a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Hawaii Maui College. With 21 years of experience as a Labor and Delivery nurse, she developed a keen interest in mental health nursing. Her firsthand experience with ketamine infusion therapy led her to pursue her passion in this field.
Iris is dedicated to helping patients achieve their optimal well-being through compassionate care and evidence-based practices.
Outside of work, Iris enjoys practicing yoga, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.
Susan DeRobertis, BSN, PMHRN-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Registered Nurse and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cal State Fullerton.
Susan’s commitment to mental health and wellness is driven by a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those struggling with mood disorders. Having witnessed firsthand the limitations of traditional therapies for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood and chronic pain disorders, she is an advocate of ketamine infusion therapy as a transformative treatment option. Susan is passionate about supporting individuals and their families through their mental health journeys and continues to be excited when she sees firsthand the positive changes that ketamine therapy can bring.
Over the past decade, Susan has dedicated herself to providing care at the Mental Health and Wellness Institute at Mission Hospital Laguna Beach. She is also a nursing instructor at the University of California, Irvine.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Susan is a devoted mother, a talented musician, and an avid live music fan. She finds joy in spending quality time with her daughters, traveling, and attending concerts.