Spravato
Palo Alto Mind Body
Concierge Psychiatry & Ketamine Therapy Clinic located in Palo Alto, CA
Over 5 million American suffer from treatment-resistant depression (TRD) each year. Patients suffering from depression are typically considered treat-resistant if they have not sufficiently responded to at least two different antidepressants of adequate dose and duration in the current depressive episode. It is estimated that roughly one-third of U.S. adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) have TRD. On March 5, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Spravato™ (esketamine) nasal spray. Spravato™ is a prescription medicine, used along with an antidepressant taken by mouth, for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults. Spravato™ is the latest advancement in over a decade approved by the FDA to treat TRD. Ketamine is typically produced as an equal mix of two mirror image ketamine molecules. These mirror images, or enantiomers, are referred to as the S-image and the R-image. Spravato™ is unique in that it is based exclusively on the S-image that is often referred to as S-ketamine or esketamine. Ketamine being used to help those with severe or TRD is not new. Dr. Ghorieshi at Palo Mind Body, along with other leading physicians across the country have been providing ketamine off-label to patients suffering from TRD, anxiety, and PTSD over the past several years. Off-label treatments are typically not covered by insurance. With the FDA approval of Spravato™, it is expected that many insurance companies will begin providing some level of coverage for those that qualify for treatment with Spravato™. M Rameen Ghorieshi, MD, MPH, and his highly specialized team at Palo Alto Mind Body became the first certified Spravato™ provider in the San Francisco Bay Area. Patients across the peninsula and greater bay area seeking treatment should call the office to learn more as to how to apply for treatment consideration.
Spravato™ Q & A
What is Spravato™ ?
Spravato™ is brand name for esketamine produced by Janssen Pharmaceutical Company of Johnson & Johnson. Spravato™ is only available in a nasal spray form, and only approved by the FDA for treating patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
Is Spravato™ right for me?
Spravato™ is FDA approved exclusively for adults suffering from Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD). Patients suffering from depression are typically considered treat-resistant if they have not sufficiently responded to at least two different antidepressants of adequate dose and duration in the current depressive episode. To determine if Spravato™ is right for you, contact the team at Palo Alto Mind Body to discuss your specific situation and treatment options.
Where do I get Spravato™?
Although Spravato™ esketamine is administered as a nasal spray, people will not be permitted to purchase it for home use. To guard against abuse, patients will need to use Spravato under medical supervision at a clinic or doctor’s office that has been certified by the maker of Spravato™ as an authorized provider. Palo Alto Mind Body is a certified authorized provider of Spravato™.
Do I qualify for treatment with Spravato™?
Spravato™ is not for everyone. Spravato™ is only approved for adults suffering from Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD). To determine if you qualify, your doctor will work with you on the qualification process. Contact the team at Palo Alto Mind Body to discuss your specific situation, review the qualification requirements, and learn about treatment options.
Does my insurance cover Spravato™
Spravato™ was approved by the FDA in March 2019. It is expected that many insurance providers will begin offering coverage for qualified patients. As first step, call your insurance provider to ask if they provide coverage for Spravato™ treatments. If you need additional help, call Palo Alto Mind Body and our team here, in conjunction with Janssen CarePath (the maker of Spravato™) will help you understand your insurance coverage and other possible affordability options.
Where do I go to get Spravato™ treatments?
Spravato™ treatments are administered under the direct supervision of a medical doctor and the supporting medical staff at Palo Alto Mind Body. Spravato™ is not available for use outside the medical clinic.
What are the potential side effects and risks of Spravato™?
Call Palo Alto Mind Body to learn more about Spravato™. For additional information about Spravato™ from Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the maker of Spravato™, visit www.spravato.com
How can I get more information about Spravato™?
Call Palo Alto Mind Body to learn more about Spravato™.