Esketamine treatment is an FDA-approved therapy that uses esketamine, a prescription medication, to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and certain adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) experiencing acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Esketamine is administered as a nasal spray under medical supervision in a certified healthcare setting as part of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan.
Esketamine treatment offers an alternative option for individuals who have not experienced sufficient improvement with traditional antidepressant medications.
Esketamine works differently from conventional antidepressants. It targets glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, learning, and communication between brain cells. By influencing glutamate pathways, esketamine may help restore neural connections that can be disrupted in depression.
Treatment is administered in a certified medical office or clinic under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals.
During treatment:
The frequency and duration of treatment vary depending on the individual’s diagnosis, symptoms, and response to therapy.
Esketamine treatment may be recommended for individuals who:
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is necessary to determine whether esketamine treatment is appropriate.
Potential benefits of esketamine treatment include:
Treatment outcomes vary among individuals, and ongoing monitoring is important throughout the treatment process.
Esketamine treatment is FDA-approved and is available only through a certified Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. Common side effects may include:
Because sedation and dissociation can occur, patients are monitored after treatment and should not drive or operate machinery until the following day after a restful night’s sleep.
A qualified healthcare provider can determine whether esketamine treatment is safe and appropriate based on an individual’s medical history and treatment needs.
At Pinnacle Behavioral Healthcare, we provide comprehensive evaluations to determine whether Spravato Therapy may be appropriate for patients experiencing treatment-resistant depression or other qualifying conditions. Our experienced providers develop individualized treatment plans that may include Medication Management, Individual Psychotherapy, and Pinnacle TMS to support long-term mental wellness.
If traditional depression treatments have not provided adequate relief, schedule a consultation with our team to discuss whether esketamine treatment may be right for you.
Yes. Spravato® is the brand name for esketamine nasal spray, an FDA-approved medication used to treat treatment-resistant depression and certain cases of Major Depressive Disorder.
Adults with treatment-resistant depression or certain adults with Major Depressive Disorder experiencing acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors may be eligible. A psychiatric evaluation is required to determine candidacy.
Esketamine is administered as a nasal spray in a certified healthcare setting under direct medical supervision.
No. Because esketamine may cause sedation and dissociation, patients should arrange transportation home and avoid driving until the following day after a restful night’s sleep.
Yes. Esketamine treatment is often used alongside psychotherapy, medication management, and other mental health treatments as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
