Esketamine Nasal Spray: Finding the Right Dosage to Treat Your Depression 

Living with depression can be a relentless battle of trying to find the solution that finally works. 

Traditional treatments like antidepressants and therapy work great for some and not so great for others.

If you’re in that second group, we’ve got good news: esketamine nasal spray, commonly known by its brand name Spravato™, is an innovative new treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), and we offer it here at Revive Holistic Psychiatry.

Dr. Oluranti Adepoju and our team specialize in helping patients throughout Weymouth, Massachusetts, find the best treatment. As you know, that can be tricky. Finding the correct dosage of Spravato takes a little trial and error, too, but we’ve got a system that can settle on the right dose and schedule quickly.

Here, Dr. Adepoju explains esketamine nasal spray, how it works, and how to find the proper dosage to treat your depression.

Meet esketamine nasal spray (Spravato)

Esketamine nasal spray, marketed as Spravato, is a breakthrough treatment for patients with treatment-resistant depression. 

Unlike traditional oral antidepressants, you take esketamine through your nose so it can act quickly on your brain. It instantly targets the NMDA receptors in your brain, which play a role in mood regulation. This rapid action is one of the reasons Spravato has gained attention as a potential game-changer in mental health treatment.

Esketamine comes from ketamine, an anesthetic known for its fast-acting antidepressant effects. However, esketamine is a more refined version designed specifically for treating depression. The nasal spray format makes it easy to use, and you always take it here in our office so Dr. Adepoju can supervise the treatment and monitor your reactions. 

The starting dosage and schedule for Spravato

When you start esketamine nasal spray treatment, Dr. Adepoju determines the initial dosage based on your needs. The recommended starting dose for most patients is 56 mg twice a week. This initial phase lasts about four weeks and helps your body adjust to the new medication.

During the first few sessions, we closely monitor your response. Dr. Adepoju assesses how well you tolerate the medication and whether you experience any side effects to determine whether she needs to adjust your dosage.

Does every patient take the same dosage of Spravato?

Not all patients will use the same dosage of Spravato because individual responses to the medication vary widely. 

Dr. Adepoju considers your medical history, current medications, and the severity of your depression when developing your personalized treatment plan. 

It’s important to understand that finding the right dosage may take some time. Some patients may need a higher dose, while others may respond well to a lower dose. The key is to be patient and communicate openly with Dr. Adepoju about your experiences with the medication.

What determines my dosage?

We monitor several factors to determine your esketamine nasal spray dosage, including:

The severity of your depression

The more severe your symptoms, the higher the dose you may need.

Your response to the treatment

Your initial response to Spravato lets us know how to adjust your dosage. If you experience significant improvement with minimal side effects, you’re likely one of those who does well on the recommended starting dose. If not, we make adjustments one way or the other.

Side effects

If you encounter adverse effects, Dr. Adepoju may lower your dose or adjust the frequency of administration. Common side effects include dizziness, dissociation, and nausea.

Coexisting conditions

If you have other medical conditions or are taking additional medications, Dr. Adepoju takes that into account when determining your dosage. Drug interactions and overall health status can impact how your body processes esketamine.

How do I know when the dosage is right (or wrong)?

Great question! Finding the right dosage of esketamine nasal spray is a collaborative process between you and Dr. Adepoju. Here are some indicators that your dosage is on track:

Your symptoms are improving

The most obvious sign that your dosage is right is a noticeable improvement in your depressive symptoms. You should start feeling a reduction in feelings of hopelessness, increased energy levels, and an overall better mood.

The side effects are manageable

All medications have potential side effects, but they should be manageable and not significantly interfere with daily life. If you experience mild side effects that diminish over time, it indicates that your dosage is appropriate.

Conversely, there are signs that your dosage may need adjustment:

• Persistent symptoms
• Intolerable side effects
• Inconsistent results

If you’re struggling with depression and traditional treatments haven’t been effective, talk to Dr. Adepoju about whether esketamine nasal spray might be right for you. Call Revive Holistic Psychiatry, or request an appointment online.