Spravato (esketamine)

While TMS, medication management, and psychotherapy have their place in the behavioral health care continuum, Spravato therapy is now being offered at Faraday Health for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Historically used as an anesthesia, ketamine has documented benefits for relieving depressive symptoms when administered by a trained medical practitioner.

Faraday Health is REMS-certified to safely administer Spravato® (esketamine). As part of this FDA-mandated program, our clinics meet all safety, monitoring, and documentation standards. Patients receive in-clinic dosing and are observed in a controlled environment by qualified staff to ensure effectiveness and safety throughout the course of treatment.

Whereas SSRI medications work to increase the serotonin levels in the brain, ketamine increases the neurotransmitter known as glutamate. Glutamate is believed to play a role in repairing weakened neural connections and damage caused by excess cortisol and other stress hormones over time.

While we are saddened by the passing of Matthew Perry, it’s important to distinguish between his reported use of recreational ketamine and the medically supervised treatment we provide at Faraday Health. Spravato® (esketamine) is a controlled, FDA-approved nasal spray indicated for treatment-resistant depression and administered exclusively in our clinic under REMS-certified protocols. All treatments are delivered with strict safety oversight, including in-clinic monitoring during and after administration. In contrast, the ketamine levels reported in Mr. Perry’s case were consistent with general anesthesia and not reflective of therapeutic use.

Faraday Health offers the nasal spray version of ketamine called esketamine (Spravato) which was approved by the FDA for TRD in 2019. This therapy is covered by most insurance companies for treatment of depression if you haven’t gotten better after trying just two antidepressants.

Typical treatment course

• Phase 1: 2 nasal treatments per week for 4 weeks
• Phase 2: 1 nasal treatment per week for 4 weeks
• Phase 3: 1 nasal treatment every 1-2 weeks

Okay, so what is the process to get into Spravato therapy?

First, you will have a no-cost consult at Faraday to review your history, learn about esketamine nasal treatments, determine benefits, and discuss treatment payment options. Next, you’ll meet with one of our providers who will figure out if Spravato is right for you. If the Faraday provider has determined that you are a good fit and you wish to proceed, an individualized treatment plan will be created.

What is a typical treatment day like?

Prior to your treatment, don’t eat food for two hours and avoid fluids for 30 minutes. You will arrive at our treatment center and relax in a comfortable chair. You will be handed the nasal spray to self-administer it. Once administered, you will relax for a period of approximately two hours while being supervised by your Faraday provider. You will need someone to drive you home after your session.