Spravato Treatment

Overcome Depression through Esketamine (SPRAVATO) Treatment in San Diego

What is Spravato treatment for depression?

Spravato, also known as esketamine, is a treatment option for individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Kadima Neuropsychiatry offers Spravato treatment for depression in San Diego and was the first clinic to be certified to provide it.

Spravato treatment is administered as a nasal spray and works by quickly increasing the levels of glutamate in the brain, which can lead to an improvement in mood.

Additionally, Spravato treatment has been shown to have a lower risk of side effects compared to traditional antidepressants.

Spravato is only administered in certified medical offices by trained medical staff, like Kadima Neuropsychiatry. It’s an FDA approved treatment for treatment-resistant depression and is covered my most insurances.

Spravato treatment is a game-changer for those who suffer from depression and have not found relief with traditional antidepressants. If you are interested in exploring Spravato treatment for your depression in San Diego, call us today.

What is Spravato?

 SPRAVATO, is the brand name for Esketamine nasal spray, a medication that has recently been approved for the treatment of depression in adults who have not responded to other forms of treatment. It is the first new type of antidepressant to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in decades, and it has shown promise in helping people with treatment-resistant depression.

SPRAVATO Treatment page

Esketamine is a form of ketamine, which has been used for decades as an anesthetic in medical and veterinary settings  and also to relieve chronic pain. Ketamine and esketamine modulate the way brain cells (AKA neurons) communicate. They do this by interacting with NMDA receptors in the brain, which are distinct from the receptors which traditional antidepressants interact with.

Ketamine and esketamine (Spravato) also produce a rapid stimulation of brain “neuroplasticity,” which refers to the brains ability to change established patterns of brain activity, in response to revised information. This is analogous to an update of the operating system used by your computer/smartphone which patches bugs in the system and upgrades the user experience. One specific form of neuroplasticity that is strongly stimulated by ketamine and esketamine is “synaptogenesis,” which refers to the creation of new synapses, or communication portals between brain cells.  

Depression is associated with a reduction of synapses. As a result of their effects on the brain ketamine and esketamine can have a rapid and dramatic positive effect on mood.

How is Spravato treatment given?

One of the unique features of Spravato is that it is administered via a nasal spray. According to FDA regulation, it is given in a doctor’s office or clinic.

There are three phases to Spravato treatment. During the first phase which is 4 weeks long, patients come to the clinic twice a week (8 Spravato treatments). In the next phase which is also 4-weeks, patients come once a week (4 Spravato treatments). In the third phase, patients return periodically to receive Spravato treatments as needed to maintain their symptom improvements. The frequency of treatments varies by patient and depends on how long they feel the improvement of mood.

We are Experts in SPRAVATO Treatment

Nasal esketamine can only be prescribed by psychiatrists who have been certified to prescribe it and it is only administered in certified clinics.

Kadima was the first clinic to provide Spravato treatment for depression in San Diego. Dr. Feifel and the rest of our ketamine therapists are highly experienced at administering this novel antidepressant medication.

Benefits of SPRAVATO Treatment

Covered by Insurance

esketamine(SPRAVATO) treatment can be expensive but thankfully it is covered by most insurance. Call us to check your eligibility

High rate of success

Many studies have found that esketamine(SPRAVATO) has a significant, quick, and sustained effect on relieving symptoms of depression

Rapid Relief without Needles

esketamine(SPRAVATO) is a revolutionary treatment for depression and provides quick and effective relief

Spravato Treatment Effects

Spravato Anti Depressant Effects

Esketamine has been shown to be safe and effective in several large clinical trials for the treatment of depression. In one large study, a significant portion of people with treatment-resistant depression who received esketamine had a significant reduction in their symptoms, compared to placebo, within 24 hours of taking the medication.

In addition to being effective, esketamine was found to have relatively few side effects. The most common side effects of esketamine include transient nausea, dizziness, and dissociation (feeling detached from reality).

However, dissociation is considered by many experts to be a key factor in the therapeutic antidepressant effect rather than a side effect. It can also sometimes cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate, so it is important to have close monitoring during treatment. In addition, esketamine is not recommended for people with a history of substance abuse or a current substance use disorder.

Covered By Most Insurance Providers

Experts in Spravato Treatment

“Recent data suggest that Ketamine, given intravenously, might be the most important breakthrough in antidepressant treatment in decades.” – Thomas Insel, MD, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, 2002-2015

At Kadima’s clinic, we offer Spravato treatment for depression. If you or a loved one is struggling with treatment-resistant depression and are interested in exploring this treatment option, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of mental health professionals will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you determine if esketamine (Spravato) therapy is right for you.

David Feifel hosts Tom Insel and associate

Dr. David Feifel (C) with Dr. Tom Insel (R) and Dr. Paul Dagum (L) at Kadima

How does Spravato treatment look like at Kadima?

WHY US?

At Kadima, Spravato treatment begins with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. David Feifel, a leading depression expert who tailors a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs. This ensures you receive the most effective care from the outset.

Once you have your tailored plan, you may add a session with a psychotherapist for treatment integration, a powerful tool that can enhance the therapeutic effect.

During each treatment, you meet one-on-one with a psychiatrist to assess and monitor your progress. This individualized attention at each session is rare and ensures your treatment is closely supervised.

A compassionate nurse then administers the Spravato nasal spray in our immersive treatment rooms, offering a calming and therapeutic environment. The short-acting nature of Spravato helps minimize side effects, while our nurses and physicians closely monitor your safety and comfort.

After each treatment, you meet with a psychiatrist who assesses your response and optimize your plan based on your needs. This thorough follow-up care is key to Kadima’s personalized approach.

After a series of treatments, many people experience a therapeutic effect and may schedule maintenance treatments every few months based on their needs.

Choosing Kadima means choosing comprehensive, personalized care from expert psychiatrists and a dedicated team focused on your well-being. Our unique approach to treatment makes Kadima the ideal choice for your mental health journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers

Spravato is administered as a nasal spray in certified medical offices by trained medical staff. It is typically used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant and is only available through a restricted distribution system

Coverage for Spravato treatment can vary depending on the individual’s insurance plan and provider. Call us at (858)412-4130 to see if your insurance covers it.

Spravato has been found to be generally safe for use in treating treatment resistant depression. However, it may cause some side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, and dissociation, which is why it is only available through a restricted distribution system and administered by trained medical staff.

Spravato, also known as esketamine, is FDA approved for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior. To qualify for Spravato treatment, an individual typically must meet the following criteria:

  • Have been diagnosed with TRD or major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior
  • Have tried at least two different oral antidepressants at adequate doses and duration without sufficient improvement in symptoms
  • Be currently experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of depression despite ongoing treatment

It depends on the patient. Some patients will have noticeable improvement after the first treatment, while other patients may need a series of treatments before they see an improvement.

Both Spravato and ketamine are forms of ketamine therapy, but Spravato is a specific formulation that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of treatment resistant depression. Ketamine is a generic version that is used off-label for the same purposes but not FDA approved for those specific conditions.

Are you interested in Spravato Therapy ?

(858)412-4130

Address: 3252 Holiday Ct Ste 112, La Jolla, CA 92037

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