Braden Counseling Center is excited to announce the addition of Spravato® (esketamine) to our suite of treatment options for patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This innovative therapy represents a major advancement in mental health care and is now available at our Sycamore, Illinois location.
What Is Spravato?
Spravato is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for adults with treatment-resistant depression and for those experiencing depressive symptoms associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and acute suicidal ideation or behavior. Unlike traditional antidepressants that take weeks to show effects, Spravato can begin to work in just hours or days for some individuals.
Administered as a nasal spray, Spravato works differently than most other antidepressants by targeting the NMDA receptor, which is associated with glutamate, a neurotransmitter believed to play a role in mood regulation.
Who Is It For?
Spravato may be appropriate for adults who:
- Have not responded adequately to at least two different antidepressant medications
- Experience ongoing, severe symptoms of depression
- Have been diagnosed with MDD and are experiencing suicidal thoughts
Eligibility is determined through a thorough clinical assessment by Braden Counseling Center’s licensed professionals.
How Is It Administered?
Spravato is not a take-home medication. It must be administered in-office under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Each session typically involves:
- Self-administration of the nasal spray under clinical guidance
- A mandatory observation period (usually around two hours) to monitor for side effects
- A treatment plan that includes a series of sessions over several weeks, gradually reducing in frequency
Patients will need a trusted friend or family member to drive them home after each session.
What Are the Benefits?
Clinical studies have shown that Spravato, when used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, can provide significant relief for those who have not responded to other treatments. Benefits include:
- Rapid reduction in depressive symptoms
- Improved mood and functioning
- Reduced intensity of suicidal thoughts in crisis situations
Is It Safe?
While Spravato is FDA-approved and considered safe when used as prescribed, it does carry some potential side effects such as:
- Dizziness
- Dissociation
- Increased blood pressure
- Nausea or vomiting
Our clinicians will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to ensure Spravato is a safe and appropriate option.
Why Choose Braden Counseling Center?
At Braden Counseling Center, we are committed to staying at the forefront of mental health care.
By offering Spravato, we are providing hope and healing for individuals who have not found success with conventional treatments. Our compassionate team ensures a supportive, confidential environment where patients feel safe and cared for throughout their treatment journey.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression that hasn’t responded to other treatments, Spravato may be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. Call us today at 815-787-9000 or visit bradencenter.com to schedule a free 20 minute consultation.