What to Expect During a Nasal Esketamine Treatment Session

Nasal esketamine treatment is a relatively new development in pharmaceutics as it related to treatment-resistant depression and drug abuse disorder. Since many patients are unfamiliar with how it works, they often feel nervous or unsure about this treatment, and understanding what to expect can help you decide whether nasal esketamine treatment is right for you.

A review of nasal esketamine treatment from a psychiatrist

Nasal esketamine is often used alongside oral medications and psychotherapy to treat patients that struggle with drug abuse. The following is a review of nasal esketamine treatment for drug abuse, although it can also be used to treat moderate to severe cases of depression as well.

What is nasal esketamine treatment?

Esketamine is a drug that has been used for anesthetic purposes and to address treatment-resistant depression (TRD). In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved esketamine as a nasal spray under the brand name Spravato. It is primarily used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant for patients with treatment-resistant depression. However, more psychiatrists are utilizing it as a way to treat patients with drug use disorder or drug addiction, especially in those who also struggle with depression.

Who should consider nasal esketamine treatment?

Nasal esketamine treatment is primarily for patients that are diagnosed with TRD or major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation (MDDSI). It is used along with other treatments, such as antidepressant medication and psychotherapy (e.g. cognitive-behavioral therapy). Nasal esketamine treatment may also help patients with addiction deal with cravings and symptoms, especially for patients who have a drug addiction and are diagnosed with TRD or MDDSI. To determine whether nasal esketamine treatment is appropriate, talk to a psychiatrist about all your treatment options.

How does the treatment process work?

Nasal esketamine treatment may look slightly different for everyone, depending on their symptoms and the primary reason for administering treatment. As mentioned, it is almost always utilized along with other treatment methods, especially oral antidepressants and psychotherapy (also called talk therapy). The dosage for nasal esketamine treatment varies. It must be administered by a licensed medical professional, such as a psychiatrist. It takes place in-office most often, and the medical professional may need to monitor the patient for an hour or more following treatment.

When to visit a psychiatrist for treatment

Anyone who struggles with drug abuse and depression that has not found relief from these conditions through other means of treatment should visit a psychiatrist to determine if nasal esketamine treatment is appropriate. They can ensure the treatment is administered safely and in conjunction with additional treatment options that may help with drug abuse and depression.

Talk to our psychiatrist team about nasal esketamine treatment

Give our psychiatrist team a call today to arrange a consultation visit. During the consultation, we can discuss your symptoms and treatment goals, along with a review of your medical history, so we can determine how nasal esketamine treatment can benefit you. We believe everyone should be able to live drug-free, and it is our goal to help our patients achieve exactly that.

Get more information about Future Psych Solutions in Columbia at https://futurepsychsolutions.com.

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