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SPRAVATO
Since 1970, ketamine has been used without risk as a surgical anesthetic. Since the early 2000s, research demonstrating its value as a fast-acting, safe antidepressant drug has been published. More investigations in recent years have demonstrated its security and efficiency in treating depression that has resisted treatment (TRD). On the use of ketamine in the treatment of mood disorders, official treatment guidelines were issued in 2017 by the top psychiatric publication, JAMA Psychiatry. Esketamine (brand name Spravato), a purified version of ketamine for intranasal usage, received FDA approval for TRD in March 2019.
WHAT IS SPRAVATO® (ESKETAMINE) CIII NASAL SPRAY?
Adults with treatment-resistant depression and those with major depressive disorder are frequently treated with Spravato®, also referred to as esketamine, a prescription drug (MDD). It is unknown at this time whether Spravato® is safe and effective in children, or if it can be used to stop suicide or lessen suicidal thoughts.
HOW MUCH DO APPOINTMENTS COST?
Each appointment when Spravato® is administered carries a $500 fee. The price of therapy is $6,000 for a total of 12 induction visits over the course of two months.
DOES INSURANCE COVER THE MEDICATION? WHAT IS THE COST OF THE MEDICATION?
Most health insurance policies cover Spravato (though some may have a co-payment requirement), and because generic ketamine is so cheap, our office doesn't charge for it. The biggest expenses are for the monitoring, which in the case of IV or Spravato is regrettably not covered by insurance.
ARE THERE LONG-TERM SIDE EFFECTS OF KETAMINE TREATMENT?
It is extremely rare for side effects to persist for more than 24 hours after treatment. It is usually not unpleasant to experience sensations of calm, moderate balance or coordination problems (thus the advice not to drive till the next day), and relaxed inhibitions within 24 hours of a treatment. We shall have a thorough discussion prior to treatment before formally requesting your agreement to proceed with the procedure.