Dosage Information for Spravato: Forms, Strengths, Administration, and Further Details
Spravato, a brand-name drug approved by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and symptoms of depression in major depressive disorder (MDD), has proven to be a valuable option for those struggling with mental health. However, like any medication, it comes with specific safety considerations.
If a patient misses an appointment, they should contact their doctor as soon as possible to reschedule. It's essential to adhere to the prescribed treatment plan to achieve the best results.
Spravato is a nasal spray that comes in a device containing 14 milligrams (mg) of the medication, with two sprays making a total of 28 mg per device. The dosage is determined by the number of devices used, with 2 devices for a 56 mg dose and 3 devices for an 84 mg dose.
For TRD, the first dose is 56 mg, and for weeks 1-4 of treatment, dosages can vary between 56 mg or 84 mg twice per week. For weeks 5-8, the dosage is 56 mg or 84 mg once per week. From week 9 onwards, the dosage can be 56 mg or 84 mg once every 2 weeks or once per week. For MDD, the dosage is 84 mg twice per week for a total of 4 weeks, and may be reduced to 56 mg twice per week if needed.
On the day of treatment, patients should avoid eating for 2 hours and drinking for 30 minutes before the appointment. After each spray, patients are instructed to lay back to keep the medication in their nose and sniff gently.
Spravato has a boxed warning about the risk of misuse, and it's only administered under strict medical supervision without take-home doses. It's not available in a generic version.
Long-term use of Spravato may be recommended if it's safe, effective, and necessary for the individual. However, key long-term safety concerns include blood pressure elevations, cognitive and motor impairment, urinary tract effects, risk of sedation, dissociation, and rare respiratory depression.
In terms of benefit, Spravato offers rapid improvement in depressive symptoms and prolonged time to relapse in treatment-resistant MDD, making it a valuable option when combined with oral antidepressants and appropriate psychotherapy.
The long-term safety profile requires careful monitoring, particularly for blood pressure, cognitive status, urinary symptoms, and sedation effects, with adherence to REMS protocols to mitigate risks. A video demonstrating how to take Spravato is available from the manufacturer to ensure proper administration.
Spravato is only administered through the Spravato REMS program in a certified healthcare setting, emphasising the importance of professional guidance and supervision during treatment.
- It's crucial for patients to contact their doctors promptly if they miss an appointment to ensure the best possible health-and-wellness outcomes, especially when considering mental health treatments such as Spravato.
- The dosage of Spravato, a drug approved for treatment-resistant depression, is determined by the number of devices used, with each device containing 14 milligrams.
- Long-term use of Spravato may be necessary for some individuals if it is found to be safe, effective, and necessary, but key safety concerns include blood pressure elevations, cognitive and motor impairment, urinary tract effects, risk of sedation, dissociation, and rare respiratory depression.
- The Spravato REMS program, a certified healthcare setting, is essential for the administration of Spravato, emphasizing the importance of professional guidance and supervision during treatment. This underscores the critical role that science and mental health professionals play in the health field, particularly in the management of mental health conditions.
