Esketamine Therapy in Houston
Esketamine is a derivative of ketamine, and is commonly known under the brand name SPRAVATO®. This treatment modality is FDA-approved and is clinically shown to improve symptoms in adults with treatment resistant depression. Additionally, Spravato is covered by most insurances!
Unlike conventional antidepressant medications, esketamine raises levels of glutamate, the brain’s most abundant neurotransmitter, which manages the ability to learn and the general brain’s functionality. When the glutamate levels are increased, there is a great impact on the brain’s nerve synaptic connections in its cells, which can often generate depressive symptom improvement quickly.
Esketamine is a nasal spray medication and supplements conventional antidepressants as a treatment-resistant depression therapy. Esketamine treatment is best suited for those who experience symptoms of depression and have failed with two or more antidepressants.
How SPRAVATO® Works
Esketamine treatments are administered in the clinic by a medical professional, and the duration in the clinic lasts two hours. Throughout the treatment, the patient will be medically monitored by staff in a private suite.
It is imperative to avoid driving or operating machinery after a Spravato treatment session. An assigned driver, such as a family member or friend, should transport the patient home after the treatment. It is also advised to rest after esketamine treatment and plan ahead with work, school, and other activities. Additionally, the patient may experience an increase in blood pressure and urinary urgency which subside within the two hour treatment time.
How Long is the SPRAVATO® Treatment Course?
Although SPRAVATO® can show notable results as quickly as 24 hours, it is recommended to complete the minimum course of 12-16 treatments to allow for response to be observed.
The patient would:
Begin with two weekly treatments during Weeks 1-4
Decrease treatment frequency to one weekly treatment during Weeks 5-8
Decrease treatment frequency to every other week after Week 9
Ideally, work towards one treatment a month, but every patient is different.
What Can I Expect During Treatment?
To best prepare for esketamine treatment, familiarize yourself with a few practices and expectations of the SPRAVATO® treatment course.
Each treatment administration lasts two hours
Each treatment administration lasts two hours
Do not eat at least two hours before treatment
Fluid can be consumed up to 30 minutes before treatment
The patient will be under the supervision of a healthcare professional throughout the treatment
A healthcare professional will document the patient’s blood pressure before, during, and after the treatment.
Benzodiazepine medications, such as Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, or Valium, should be avoided on the day of treatment
The patient must be driven home after treatment
What are the Side Effects of SPRAVATO®?
SPRAVATO® is used to treat depression and does not usually have serious medical side effects. However, this medication should be administered by only a psychiatrist who specializes in treating illnesses related to changes in mood, thinking, and behavior. It is possible for SPRAVATO® to produce feelings of disassociation, sleepiness, nausea, and sensitivity. For patients with bipolar disorder, SPRAVATO® may generate manic behavior.
A psychiatrist is uniquely trained to identify early signs of these side effects, so it is important that SPRAVATO® is given by a psychiatric professional.
Our Team and Services
Antidepressant treatments, including SPRAVATO®, are complex processes and require a team of healthcare professionals with psychiatric experience and knowledge. Trimera Health is a certified SPRAVATO® treatment center and aims to provide comprehensive treatments for depression and other psychiatric disorders. Trimera Health’s team is based in the Pearland area and provides esketamine treatment to patients in the Greater Houston area.
Trimera Health’s founder, Dr. Rebecca Maxwell, is a board-certified psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology with decades of experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. The Trimera Health team is made up of certified psychiatric professionals aiming to provide comprehensive support and treatment to all clients. Trimera Health is founded on the core values of complete wellness and holistic healing.
Start Esketamine Treatment with Trimera Health
Based in Pearland, Trimera Health serves clients of the Greater Houston area as a certified SPRAVATO® treatment center. Our team of medical professionals is equipped with the experience and knowledge of esketamine therapy and alternative treatments. We are a full functioning psychiatry practice and we offer general medication management, psychotherapeutic interventions, and medical cannabis for PTSD. We place our focus on the holistic approach to your well-being and take pride in our efforts for a greater impact on mental wellness.
Contact our team for a consultation about insurance covered esketamine therapy. Learn more about Trimera Health’s comprehensive list of psychiatric services.