Depression can feel all-encompassing. From difficulties concentrating to a lack of motivation to do the things you once found enjoyable, life can feel flat and hopeless. But with treatment, life can feel good again. Treatment is typically made up of therapy and medication, but for those experiencing treatment-resistant depression, traditional antidepressants may not be effective. Thankfully, there’s Spravato®.

Symptoms that aren’t significantly helped by traditional methods can be relieved by Spravato®. This quick-acting nasal spray significantly decreases symptoms of depression for those who may have never experienced relief before. Columbia Associates proudly offers Spravato® treatment services as a hopeful alternative.

How Do Traditional Antidepressants Work?

Most traditional antidepressants belong to a category of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. There are also serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs. Serotonin and norepinephrine are two neurotransmitters that support important brain functions like, moods, appetite, digestion, memory, alertness, focus, energy, and our body’s “fight or flight” responses. When these neurotransmitters are impacted, symptoms of depression can develop.

Antidepressants that help combat these symptoms include:

• SSRIs: Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro
• SNRIs: Cymbalta, Effexor, Pristiq
• Atypical Antidepressants: Wellbutrin, Remeron

Though these antidepressants can be highly effective, there are some treatment-resistant forms of depression. Some of the pros and cons of antidepressants include:

The Pros of Antidepressants

• Widely studied and used for decades
• They have been found effective for many people experiencing mild to moderate depression symptoms
• A variety of formulations exist, including pills, capsules, and liquids

The Cons of Antidepressants

• They can also be slow to have an impact on someone’s symptoms, taking up to eight weeks for noticeable effects
• People experiencing treatment-resistant depression may not respond to SRRIs or SNRIs
• There can be side effects such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, digestive issues, and tiredness
• They require long-term use to stay effective

Spravato® vs. Antidepressants

Spravato® (esketamine) is derived from ketamine, which is an anesthetic. The benefits of esketamine are that unlike traditional antidepressants, which target serotonin and norepinephrine, esketamine works on the glutamate system to promote new neural connections in the brain.

Spravato® is FDA-approved for both adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) as well as those with depressive disorder (MDD). Clients taking this medication are closely monitored due to its sedative effects. Columbia Associates provides close supervision for clients while taking Spravato®.

More Benefits of Spravato® vs. Antidepressants

In addition to its fast-acting results, Spravato® does not require long-term use for effectiveness and works within hours of administration. There also seem to be fewer potential side effects. They include temporary dissociation, dizziness, and sedation. Typically, the sedative effects wear off within two to four hours. Clients are advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery until these effects are no longer felt and the team at Columbia takes every precaution in making sure you’re ready to return to your daily activities.

A Summary of The Benefits of Spravato®

• Relief typically happens in hours, not days
• Research suggests esketamine reduces thoughts of suicide in people experiencing depression
• Spravato® use is always supervised by a professional, which helps to ensure its proper use

Columbia Associates Proudly Offers Esketamine

If you’re living with treatment-resistant depression, look to Columbia Associates for Spravato® treatment services in a secure, compassionate environment. Our licensed psychiatric providers have years of experience with clients experiencing depression and will work to make sure you get the best results from your Spravato® treatment.

Call Columbia Associates Today for Depression Relief

Columbia Associates is here to help you manage your mental health. Call 703.682.8208 today to learn more about Spravato® treatment.

For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.