If you have been dealing with anxiety that simply will not go away, no matter what you try, you have probably searched extensively for answers. Somewhere along the way, you might have come across Spravato and wondered, “Is Spravato approved for anxiety?” It is an understandable question, especially since Spravato has received a lot of attention for helping people with depression when nothing else seems to work. Can it also help with anxiety? Let us break it down in simple terms.
It is a nasal spray medication that contains esketamine. Though the FDA has not labeled Spravato to treat anxiety, it has given the medication its approval for use in adults with treatment-resistant depression—that means depression that has not improved after trying at least two different antidepressants. It is also a treatment option for people with major depressive disorder who have suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Spravato works a little differently from regular antidepressants. Unlike most antidepressants that work to increase brain chemicals such as serotonin or norepinephrine, Spravato works to increase a chemical called glutamate, which helps with communication between brain cells. Because of this, Spravato can sometimes start working much faster than traditional antidepressants, and some people notice a difference within hours or days instead of weeks.
It is also not something you take at home. Spravato is only available in a certified clinic, so you will need to go to the office, take the nasal spray yourself, and then relax for a couple of hours while a provider monitors you.
The FDA limits Spravato prescriptions to specific kinds of depression, so providers do not prescribe it to treat anxiety disorders. However, many people who have depression also suffer from anxiety, and those with depression who have taken Spravato have noticed an improvement in their anxiety symptoms.
Fortunately, there is growing interest in studying how Spravato might help with anxiety disorders, such as:
For now, the research remains ongoing, and doctors can only prescribe it off-label for anxiety.
If your anxiety has been tough to manage, even with therapy or medications, it might be time to talk to your provider about other options, such as the following:
If you also struggle with depression along with your anxiety, then Spravato might still be something worth exploring. Your provider can help figure out whether it makes sense as part of your treatment plan.
Spravato is an exciting treatment option for depression, especially when other medications have not worked. However, is Spravato approved for anxiety? At this time, it is not FDA-approved for anxiety alone. But that does not mean you are out of options. The right combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can make a big difference. If you are curious about whether Spravato might help in your case, we would be happy to talk with you.
You do not have to face anxiety alone. Let us figure out the next step together. Contact us today.
