If you or a loved one in the New Haven area are battling depression that hasn’t responded to traditional medications, there’s an innovative treatment that may offer a new path forward: Esketamine (marketed as SPRAVATO®) nasal spray. This FDA-approved therapy works differently than conventional antidepressants, offering the potential for rapid relief.
What is Esketamine and Who is it For?
Esketamine is a derivative of ketamine and is the first new type of antidepressant in decades. It targets the glutamate system in the brain, which is involved in mood regulation and cognitive function. By modulating these pathways, it can promote new connections in the brain and provide rapid improvement in depressive symptoms, sometimes within hours or days.
Indications:
Esketamine, used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, is approved for:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with Suicidal Thoughts or Actions: It can be used to treat depressive symptoms in adults with MDD who have acute suicidal ideation or behavior.
- Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Adults who have not found relief after trying at least two different oral antidepressants.
The Benefits: Why Consider Esketamine?
The most significant benefit is its rapid action. Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to take effect, many patients experience noticeable improvement in their mood much faster with esketamine. This can be a game-changer for those struggling with severe, chronic depression. For people in the New Haven community who have felt stuck after trying multiple treatments, esketamine offers a new source of hope.
The Treatment Process in Light-Tunnel Behavioral Health Services
Because esketamine can cause short-term side effects like sedation, dizziness, and dissociation (a temporary feeling of detachment), it must be administered in a certified healthcare setting
- Initial Consultation: A thorough evaluation by a mental health professional, Dr. Omolola Aragbada, a nurse practitioner, is needed to determine if esketamine is right for you, taking into account your medical history and current medications.
- Administration: The medication is a nasal spray that you administer to yourself under the direct supervision of one of our board certified healthcare providers.
- Required Monitoring: You will be monitored closely in a comfortable clinic setting for at least two hours after administration to ensure any potential side effects have worn off and your blood pressure is stable.
- Frequency: The typical course starts with the Induction Phase, which is usually twice a week for the first four weeks. This is followed by a Maintenance Phase, with treatments becoming less frequent (e.g., once a week, then every one to two weeks), based on your individual response.
- Safety First: Due to the risk of temporary side effects, you must arrange for transportation home after every treatment session. You should not drive or operate machinery until the next day, following a full night’s rest.
If you’re in New Haven and this innovative treatment sounds like a possibility for you, reach out to Light-tunnel Behavioral Health Services, for a comprehensive consultation.
