Spravato Treatment
Spravato Treatment Services in Glenn Dale
Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States, affecting more than 21 million adults.
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Spravato is used for individuals with drug resistant depression. At DMV Psychiatric Wellness we offer a variety of treatments to help you manage depression and enjoy life more.
If you or a loved one is showing signs of drug resistant depression, don’t hesitate to contact the office or use the online tool to make an appointment right away.
What Is Treatment Resistant Depression?
For individuals living with treatment-resistant depression, traditional medications may not provide adequate relief. DMV Psychiatric Wellness offers FDA-approved Spravato treatment for patients across Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia who continue to struggle despite multiple antidepressant trials. This innovative esketamine therapy is administered in a safe, monitored clinical setting to support rapid symptom improvement.
When symptoms aren’t relieved with at least two different first-line anti-depressants for six to eight weeks, you may be diagnosed with treatment resistant depression (TRD). Major depressive disorder affects both men and women as well as people of all ages, races and ethnicities. MDD traditionally is treated with anti-depressants, cognitive behavior therapy or a combination of both.
Symptoms of TRD include:
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Persistent feelings of extreme sadness
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Long-lasting episodes of depression
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Intense feelings of hopelessness
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Inability to experience pleasure
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Slowed thinking
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Low energy
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Thoughts of suicide
The cause of TRD is unknown. Genetics may be a factor along with changes in brain chemistry or structure. Other possible factors include chronic stress, sleep disorders and medical conditions such as thyroid disorders.
How Does Spravato Treatment Work?
Close to one-third of people with major depressive disorder are eventually diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression. Spravato treatment may be able to help those who haven’t found relief from traditional treatments.
Can I Get Spravato Treatment ?
​At DMV Psychiatric Wellness treatment is offered at Neuro Injury Specialists to people 18 years of age and older. To determine if you’re a good candidate for this form of treatment, the physicians evaluate the medications you’ve already tried and the symptoms you’re still experiencing.
Spravato may not be right for you in certain situations such as if:
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You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
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You have a history of substance abuse
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You have arteriovenous malformation, an abnormal connection between arteries and veins
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You’re allergic to ketamine or esketamin
Discuss any medical conditions you have with your doctor. Your doctor needs to know if you have uncontrolled hypertension, liver disease or if you’ve ever had a heart attack, stroke or traumatic brain injury. Be sure to also let him know if you’re taking any vitamins, herbal supplements or over-the-counter medication.
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What Can I Expect from a Spravato Treatment?
No special preparation is required, although you should avoid having anything to eat for at least two hours before Spravato treatment.
Things to expect during your treatment include:
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You take three doses of the nasal spray, spread five minutes apart.
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You’re closely supervised for reactions or side effects.
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You remain at the clinic for approximately two hours and are continuously monitored during that time.
You need someone to drive you home because after Spravato treatment, you shouldn’t drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours. Relief from depression symptoms may happen within a few days, compared to traditional anti-depressants that may take weeks to provide relief from symptoms.
Spravato is usually combined with oral anti-depressants and talk therapy. The number of visits needed varies, but a typical treatment plan is for two visits for four weeks followed by a maintenance phase with dosing at decreasing frequency. Dosing and frequency are determined by your response to treatment.
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Does Spravato Treatment Have Side Effects?
Depression medications often have side effects and Spravato is no exception.
Your chances of developing severe side effects are greatly reduced when you rely on the expertise of doctors at Neuro Injury Specialists, but the mild side effects you may experience include:
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Nausea
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Dizziness
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Lethargy
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Sleepiness
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Dissociation
Most symptoms usually resolve within a couple of hours and subside before you leave the clinic. When you have treatment resistant depression, Spravato treatment allows you to experience freedom from depression symptoms for the first time in a long time.