If you consistently feel low and depressed, with little interest in activities and people that once brought you joy, or if you have tried antidepressants and found they have little to no effect on your overall mood, you might have treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
Living with TRD or major depressive disorder (MDD) can feel overwhelming, but you still have options, such as Spravato therapy. Spravato for treatment-resistant depression in Austin is fast-acting and can help you find relief and look forward to better mental health days and renewed energy.
TRD is a type of depression that does not respond to standard antidepressants. A patient is typically diagnosed as having TRD after they have tried two types of antidepressants with little to no meaningful relief from depression symptoms. Although the exact causes of TRD are not known, researchers believe that differences in underlying brain chemistry and structure might block the usual response to antidepressants.
The FDA approved Spravato nasal spray in 2019 for treating certain adults with MDD. Spravato is especially helpful in patients who have had an inadequate response to oral antidepressants or who have experienced suicidal thoughts or actions and require advanced treatment for their depression. When used in conjunction with traditional antidepressants, Spravato has been shown to improve symptoms of TRD, with many patients in Austin reporting relief of symptoms as soon as 24 hours after treatment.
Spravato stimulates your body’s production of glutamate, a chemical in the brain that helps brain cells communicate. Spravato effectively helps the brain create new connections faster and, in conjunction with traditional antidepressants, can dramatically improve mood. Since Spravato is administered as a nasal spray, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and, in some cases, relieves symptoms immediately.
Spravato treatments can cause high blood pressure, feelings of sleepiness (sedation), and disconnection from yourself (dissociation). As a result, the treatment must be administered at a Spravato-certified facility, where specialists are trained to monitor, record, and treat these side effects. Our specialists are also trained to identify any contraindications to Spravato, such as heart disease or heart arrhythmias.
When you arrive for Austin Spravato therapy for treatment-resistant depression, our staff will take an initial blood pressure reading and guide you on how to use the nasal spray. You will then self-administer Spravato and sit in a comfortable, reclined position while the medication is absorbed. After 45 minutes, our specialists will test your blood pressure again and observe you for signs of sedation and dissociation. We require patients to remain at our offices for at least two hours following each treatment to monitor for possible side effects. If no complications arise within the two hours, you may return home. Patients should not drive or operate heavy equipment for at least 24 hours following treatment.
If you are suffering from TRD or MDD, there is still hope. Spravato is an FDA-approved advanced treatment that enhances the action of antidepressants to relieve your symptoms of depression.
Our office is certified to administer Spravato therapy. We will work with you to answer your questions and carefully monitor you for potential side effects. Spravato for treatment-resistant depression in Austin can help you get a fulfilling life back. Contact us now for relief from the symptoms of depression.