Transformative Ketamine Therapy in Mesa, AZ: A Path to Healing
Ketamine Therapy Q&A
SPRAVATO® is a prescription medicine, used along with an antidepressant taken by mouth to treat:
Adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
Depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions
Spravato is used for our patients who have tried two or more antidepressant medications without positive results. Spravato is used to treat chronic depression and suicidal thoughts or actions. The couse of treatment is typically 9-20 weeks and most people report results within the first four weeks. Our providers will tailor a treatment plan for you that may include individual therapy or other modalities to support your Spravato treatment. Your oral medication will be managed and adjusted as needed to achieve the best possible outcomes. All depression treatments work best when coupled with therapy designed to meet your specific goals.
Spravato is an esketamine nasal spray that is administered in a medical setting and is used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. Spravato is intended for use in patients who have not seen improvement from other treatments, such as antidepressants. Our team of mental health professionals will work with you to determine if Spravato is a suitable treatment option for you, and will monitor your progress throughout the course of treatment.
We do not offer IV Ketamine because it is not FDA approved, unregulated and is not covered by any insurance plans.
It is a Controlled Substance and is treated under the strict supervision of Healthcare Providers. The results are life-changing for our patients.
Step 1: Consultation
On your first visit, we will evaluate if you are a candidate for SPRAVATO (esketamine) treatment based on your medical history and symptoms, including:
• Suicidal ideation or behavior
• Severe allergic reactions to esketamine, ketamine, or any component of the SPRAVATO treatment
• Untreated or poorly controlled serious psychiatric illness (e.g., schizophrenia or bipolar disorder)
• Alcohol or substance abuse/dependence that has not been adequately addressed by the use of
standard treatments.
We will also discuss safety information and answer any questions you may have. It is important that you understand how everything works so that you know what you are getting into with treatment.
Step 2: Treatment Plan
After a comprehensive assessment is complete, we will discuss an individualized treatment plan with you that is tailored to your needs. We will also schedule your actual appointments and thoroughly check your insurance plans to make sure they cover our services.
Our providers will attempt to compile all the necessary information for your insurance to determine if they will cover the Spravato treatment. Insurance will require a Prior Authorization (PA) to cover the Spravato treatment. This process can take some time depending on the insurance, usually 1-3 weeks. We will do our best to update you during this process. Counseling and care coordination are available during this time if needed. We will work hard to make sure that your case is reviewed as quickly as possible and that a favorable outcome is achieved.
You will also need to plan ahead of time for your rides on treatment days since driving or operating machinery will not be possible until the following day after a restful sleep.
Step 3: Treatment
On your second visit, you will finally begin treatment. We will instruct you how to use the SPRAVATO nasal spray, and once you are ready, you may administer your dose under our supervision. We will monitor you afterward for at least 2 hours to check for possible side effects.
Once we deem you fit to leave, you may go home with your ride.
Step 4: Evaluation
You will undergo SPRAVATO treatment twice a week for the first month. We will then evaluate you to determine whether or not you should continue with treatment. If you are fit to do so, you will undergo treatment once a week during the second month, and then once a week or once every other week during the third month onwards.
Possible Side Effects
One common side effect is an increase in blood pressure, but this usually goes away after 4 hours. Other side effects that may occur and should disappear on the same day of your treatment include the following:
• dizziness
• spinning sensation
• nausea
• decreased feeling of sensitivity
• lack of energy
• vomiting
• feeling anxious
• feeling drunk
• feeling happy
• feeling excited