Patients suffering from intense treatment-resistant depression can now take comfort in knowing that there is new hope available. Esketamine, a novel form of therapy, has been demonstrated to offer support of relief quite literally within hours. Unlike conventional forms of antidepressants, which have changed minimally over the years, esketamine provides a unique solution to treating depression.
Dr. Yuli Fradkin, Neuroplasticity MD’s psychiatrist, says: ‘For the first time in 25 years, we have a new antidepressant that’s not just a modification of an existing one ‘ And is able to change lives by helping them to live depression-free after years of being capped under the heavy burden of depression.
A Closer Look at Esketamine
Ketamine is a broadly employed narcotic that has it’s own antidepressant properties. Esketamine, on the other hand, is a more active variant of ketamine. Unlike ketamine, esketamine is FDA accepted and available as a nasal spray for treatment resistant depression.
Dr. Fradkin, who has studied the medication for more than five years, says, “Esketamine is derived from a portion of the ketamine molecule.” “Since it’s more potent, it requires a lower dose, which may reduce side effects.” Because esketamine is FDA approved and offered intranasally, it will be easier to gain insurance coverage.
If planning for this treatment, it may be important to find out the cost of the esketamine nasal spray. Depending on the insurance plan, clinic fees, and the required number of sessions, the cost usually varies. A medical professional will assist you in understanding the economic part of this form of therapy.
How Is Esketamine Administration Done?
Considering the potential for temporary distortion in one’s perception, spravato therapy has to be given in a clinic and with a physician on sight. Below is an account of a normal treatment session:
- Self-Administration Under Supervision – Patients receive three doses of esketamine nasal spray one at a time, each five minutes apart, while being monitored by a physician.
- Maintaining for Symptoms – Patients can remain at the clinic for up to two hours for observation to monitor symptoms like dizziness or feeling out of the body.
- With Other Conventional Antidepressants – Esketamine is not prescribed alone. Rather, it is used together with other antidepressants that take time to start working so that there is some relief in symptoms while waiting for the other medication to act.
- Adjustment Schedule – As a general rule, treatment is initiated with two sessions every week for the first month. If the treatment is effective, the dosage is tapered to weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly ‘maintenance’ doses.
Who Stands To Gain From Esketamine Therapy?
Esketamine is given to patients who suffer from treatment resistant depression, meaning those who have used at least two different antidepressants for six weeks without achieving their desired result.
“For those who haven’t responded to other treatments, esketamine can be life-changing,” says Dr. Fradkin. “It offers hope that relief is possible.”
How Does Esketamine Function?
Most antidepressants are effective in treating depression by increasing the levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine which help to improve mood. But esketamine differs in this regard.
- Increases in Glutamate – Orthodox medicines do not compare. Esketamine raises glutamate, which is the most widespread brain neurotransmitter. In doing this, there is much more connection between brain cells, which helps with quicker relief of symptoms.
- Faster Recovery From Symptoms – Normal antidepressants give results after many weeks of intake. Esketamine improves mood in a few hours.
- Diminishes Suicidal Thoughts – Many antidepressants have the reverse effect of increasing suicidal thoughts. Esketamine, on the other hand, reduces Suicidal Ideation thoughts significantly.
- Effective for Treatment-Resistant Depression – Clinical trials indicate that many patients suffering from depression who have not seen any results with other antidepressants, do find reprieve with esketamine.
Esketamine and Brain Health
Left untreated, depression harms the brain overtime and is associated with a greater chance of dementia. Research has shown that chronic depression can shrink the hippocampus, an area of the brain important for memory and learning, by 20% at the most.
Esketamine has been demonstrated to be helpful in mitigating these damages. Animal based studies show that it aids in reconstructing damaged neural pathways, thereby enhancing brain function and reversing the impact of chronic depression and stress.
Side Effects of Esketamine
In general, patients tolerate the use of esketamine very well, but some have noted side effects, especially during the first few doses. Common complaints include:
• Brief glimpses of hearing voices or feeling worried
• Dry retching
• Feeling sleepy
• Greater than normal blood pressure
• Dizziness or feeling “intoxicated”
• Migraines
Effects most often reach their worst level at around forty minutes and ease off within two hours. Most patients agree that after several sessions of treatment, the symptoms subside.
Is Esketamine Right for You?
If standard antidepressants do not seem to work, consider looking into ketamine therapy in New Jersey. At Neuroplasticity MD, your psychiatrist will help you decide whether esketamine is suitable for you and ease any fears you have regarding cost of esketamine nasal spray and what treatment will be like.
This innovative therapy provides a way for patients who have long suffered from depression to begin the healing process. If you are interested in learning more about new avenues for achieving mental health, contact Neuroplasticity MD today.
