Suicide claimed more than 47,000 lives in the United States in 2017. This frightening number represents the people who have lost all hope in themselves, and in their environments. The revolving door of failed antidepressants are likely a major contributor to their hopelessness. Lacking an effective treatment to lift their spirits, many have unfortunately—and unecessarily— lost their lives.
The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent approval of the depression drug Spravato (esketamine), marks the first new drug to be approved for the treatment of depression in decades—and it works especially well for suicidal patients. Spravato, which is administered via nasal spray, offers severely depressed patients the opportunity to relieve their symptoms quickly—dramatically faster than traditional antidepressants like Prozac.
As reported by National Public Radio (NPR), a number of studies which aimed to measure the efficacy of Spravato found that the antidepressant delivered relief from depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts within 24-hours of administration. The drug offered the most benefit in relieving the symptoms of depression, rather than eliminating suicidal ideations—however, suicidal ideations often follow long periods of intense depression. Relieving the preceding depression, then, should also lead to a dramatic reduction in suicidal ideation.
The study concluded that esketamine was most effective when combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). According to new studies conducted by Johnson & Johnson, researchers recommend that suicidal patients take Spravato twice a week, for four weeks, in addition to their antidepressant medications. After this time, the prescribing doctors may choose to continue Spravato treatment based on response and any persistent symptoms. This is great news for patients who are desperate for relief and need help now.
Now, with just a simple nasal spray, severely depressed patients can find the relief they need, when they need it the most. Thankfully, for those who don’t qualify for Spravato, there is also generic ketamine, which has proven to be equally—if not more so—effective at providing similar results.
Contact Ketamine Greater Boston & Ketamine West Hartford
Ketamine Greater Boston and Ketamine West Hartford are two of the country’s leading ketamine clinics. We are also proud to be one of very few ketamine clinics to offer Spravato (esketamine). Contact us today to find out if you are a candidate, which treatment is right for you, and how to get started traveling your path towards hope, health and happiness.
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