Esketamine, branded as Spravato, details on adverse effects, pricing, dosage, and additional info:

Esketamine (Spravato): Information on potential side effects, pricing, dosage, and additional details

Spravato, a brand-named nasal spray, is primarily utilized to treat specific mental health conditions in certain adults. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it contains the active drug esketamine.

For adults, Spravato is prescribed to manage:

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) - depression that hasn't improved with at least two different antidepressants during the current depressive episode.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions - commonly referred to as depression.

To address either condition, Spravato is always combined with at least one oral antidepressant medication.

Key Information About Spravato:

Drug Class: Acts as an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist.
Form: Nasal spray.
Generic Availability: No generic forms available.
Prescription Required: Yes.
Controlled Substance: Yes, classified as a Schedule III drug by the FDA, due to the risk of dependence or misuse.
Year of FDA Approval: 2019.

Spravato for Depression:

While the FDA approves prescription drugs like Spravato to treat certain conditions, it may also be prescribed off-label for other uses. Off-label use refers to a drug that's approved to treat one condition being used to treat a different condition.

Spravato is FDA-approved to treat:

TRD - a type of depression that hasn't responded to two or more antidepressants, as diagnosed by your doctor.
MDD with suicidal thoughts or actions - also known as depression.

It's essential to note that Spravato is not approved for the treatment of pain, as it hasn't been studied in clinical trials as a pain medication.

Spravato in Treatment-Resistant Depression:

Spravato is FDA-approved to treat TRD in adults. This use occurs in combination with at least one other oral antidepressant medication.

Studies show that Spravato reduces symptoms of depression in people taking it compared to a placebo (treatment with no active drug) in combination with an oral antidepressant. The most significant improvement in symptoms happens within the first 24 hours after taking Spravato[1].

In a 4-week clinical study, individuals who took Spravato in combination with an oral antidepressant had fewer depression symptoms compared to those who took a placebo and an oral antidepressant. After the 4-week trial, some people enrolled in a year-long study, showing continued reduction in depression symptoms with Spravato and a lower risk of severe depression relapse[2].

Spravato for Depression with Suicidal Thoughts or Actions:

Spravato is FDA-approved to treat MDD, which is also referred to as depression, with thoughts or actions of suicide. Adults are prescribed it in conjunction with at least one oral antidepressant medication.

It's unknown if Spravato helps prevent suicidal thoughts or actions, but your doctor will manage these symptoms as needed[2].

Spravato for Other Conditions:

While Spravato is FDA-approved for certain conditions, it's not approved for other mental health conditions. However, ketamine, a related drug, has been studied for use in treating anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder, but further research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness for long-term treatment [3].

Spravato for Anxiety (off-label use):

Spravato isn't approved for anxiety treatment, as it hasn't been studied for this purpose. However, ketamine has shown promising results in some studies, but further research is needed to establish its long-term safety and effectiveness for anxiety-related disorders [3].

Spravato for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (off-label use):

Spravato isn't FDA-approved for OCD treatment. No clinical studies have been conducted examining its effectiveness for OCD[4].

Again, it's important to stress that while ketamine has been studied in some OCD-related research, these findings don't necessarily apply to Spravato. More studies are needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of both Spravato and ketamine for OCD treatment.

Spravato Costs:

Like all medications, the cost of Spravato may vary. Your doctor's office purchases Spravato from a specialty pharmacy, and it's not available for purchase at a standard pharmacy[5].

Spravato's treatment cost may have insurance coverage with either your prescription or medical insurance plan. However, this will depend on your specific insurance plan. It's essential to consult with your insurance provider about coverage details.

Financial and Insurance Assistance:

If you need financial or insurance support to pay for Spravato, help is available through the Spravato withMe program. For more information and eligibility determination, call 844-4S-WITHME or visit the program website.

References:

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Esketamine (Spravato). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/esketamine-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20071448
National Library of Medicine. (2023). Spravato. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a614063.html
Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (2023). Overview of Ketamine for Mood Disorders. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://psychcentral.com/lib/overview-of-ketamine-for-mood-disorders/
National Association of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (2023). Ketamine for OCD: What You Need to Know. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/treatment-choices/ketamine-for-ocd/
Johnson & Johnson. (2023). Spravato Integrity Institute. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.spravato.com/patient-support/financial-and-insurance-assistance
The pharmaceutical industry's finance sector has delivered Spravato, a brand-named nasal spray containing esketamine, to battle certain mental health conditions in adults.
For adults seeking treatment, Spravato is often prescribed as a combination therapy for depression, specifically treatement-resistant depression (TRD) or major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions.
Delving into personal-finance matters, it's noteworthy that Spravato, while approved for certain conditions, can't be purchased from a standard pharmacy; its cost may vary, with potential insurance coverage.
Beyond its approved uses in depression treatment, Spravato hasn't been studied as a pain medication, a common misconception in the sports world when discussing injury management strategies.
In the realm of off-label uses, ketamine—a related drug—has demonstrated promise for treating anxiety disorders, although more research is needed to establish its long-term safety and effectiveness.
On a wider business perspective, the wealth-management sector offers financial and insurance assistance programs, like the Spravato withMe program, to help individuals access the high costs associated with this and other specialized treatments.