CALL: 757-413-5444
2010 OLD GREENBRIER ROAD, SUITE J CHESAPEAKE, VA 23320
About SPRAVATO® (esketamine)
SPRAVATO® is the first FDA-approved nasal spray medication, taken with an oral antidepressant, for treatment-resistant depression in adults (TRD) and depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions. SPRAVATO® works differently than other medications for treatment-resistant depression. Today’s most commonly used oral antidepressants are thought to treat depression by increasing levels of neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine) in areas of the brain that affect mood. SPRAVATO® targets the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and is believed to work differently than currently available oral antidepressants.
Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider Before Taking SPRAVATO®
SPRAVATO® is not for everyone. Talk to your healthcare provider about your full medical history, including if you:
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have a history of abusing or being dependent on prescription or street drugs
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have a problem with alcohol
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are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
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are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
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take prescription or over-the-counter medicines
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take vitamins or herbal supplements
As part of the SPRAVATO® Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), a healthcare provider will discuss the risks of sedation, dissociation, and abuse and misuse with you before starting SPRAVATO®. You and our healthcare provider must complete a Patient Enrollment Form for you to receive SPRAVATO® in our certified treatment center.
Your First Treatment Center Visit
We will continue to be involved with your care during SPRAVATO® treatment and will be available to answer questions or address concerns as you undergo treatment. Your first visit to our certified SPRAVATO® treatment center will be a consultation, and we will:
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Receive your medical information from your healthcare provider
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Conduct our own assessment to determine if SPRAVATO® may be right for you
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Verify your insurance information as part of the eligibility confirmation
If SPRAVATO® is recommended, we will build a treatment plan with you and enroll you in the SPRAVATO® REMS Program.
Preparing For Treatment
Plan for rides to and from the treatment center. You won’t be able to drive, operate machinery, or do anything where you need to be completely alert until the day after a treatment session, following a restful sleep.
Bring a form of entertainment, like a book or playlist, for the session. A healthcare provider at the treatment center will monitor you for at least two hours after treatment.
Avoid eating two hours before, and drinking liquids 30 minutes before the treatment session. Some patients taking SPRAVATO® may experience nausea or vomiting.
If you take a nasal corticosteroid or nasal decongestant medicine, take these medicines at least one hour before taking SPRAVATO®.