Question 1

Who is a candidate for Esketamine Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Currently, Esketamine Therapy is approved for people with treatment-resistant depression. That means you've tried at least two other antidepressants, for at least six weeks each, and haven't experienced remission or at least an improvement in mood.

Question 2

What to expect during your Treatment

Accepted Answer

Before Your Treatment

Please make sure you arrive on time and have a safe ride to and from your appointment. You will not be able to drive until the following day.
Nausea is a common side effect, please do not eat anything within 2 hours of your appointment. Do not drink anything within 30 minutes of arrival.

During Treatment

When you arrive, we will ask you to urinate to empty your bladder.
The nurse caring for you will take your vital signs and walk you through the process of administering the medication. You will self-administer the medication, but the nurse will be sitting with you during this time. If you are receiving more than one dose, these will be given 5 minutes apart.
Following administration of the medication, you will be relaxing in one of our reclining chairs with access to a TV. We ask that you bring headphones if you would like to listen to your own music. This can be helpful to block out other noises as noise sensitivity is common.
We will have blankets available for you to use, but you may bring your own from home if this is more comfortable for you.
Dry mouth is also common, so we encourage you to bring your own lollipops to ease this symptom. Please select brands without gum inside.
Your nurse will be reassessing your vitals after 40 minutes, and again before you leave.
A common side effect after receiving the medication is a feeling of dissociation, similar to an out-of-body feeling. These symptoms are generally mild and will resolve before you leave. Your nurse will be there to treat and take care of you.

After the Treatment

The staff will make sure you get to your ride safely.
You may feel sleepy for the rest of the day, this is normal. You must make sure you are not driving or participating in any activities that require you to be alert until the next day.

Question 3

How is Esketamine Therapy delivered?

Accepted Answer

Esketamine Therapy is self-administered via a nasal spray at our clinic. The frequency, number of doses, and the potency of each dose will be determined by your doctor.

Question 4

Is Esketamine addictive?

Accepted Answer

Patients do not get addicted. This does not mean that Esketamine is risk-free. The drug will always be administered under observation and care of a trained health professional at one of our clinics, and the patient will not be allowed to drive until the day after treatment.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as cravings, tiredness, poor appetite, anxiety). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely if you have used esketamine for a long time or in high doses.

Question 5

Is Esketamine covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Esketamine (Spravato) is almost always covered by insurance, including Medicare.

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