Spravato® (Esketamine) Therapy

Our Specialty

Spravato therapy is a centerpiece of our interventional psychiatry program, iKare has performed over 10,000 dosing sessions in San Antonio. While many clinics offer traditional medication management, we have invested in becoming a certified Spravato treatment center to provide a critical lifeline for those who haven’t found success elsewhere. We provide a curated clinical environment where your safety, comfort, and progress are monitored by a team that understands the nuances of rapid-acting antidepressant therapies.

A Breakthrough for Treatment-Resistant Depression

If you have tried two or more antidepressants without adequate relief, you may be experiencing Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). For years, the only options were to switch to another oral medication and wait months for results. Spravato® (esketamine) changes that. As the first FDA-approved NMDA receptor antagonist, Spravato works on a different pathway than traditional SSRIs, targeting the glutamate system to help "re-wire" and repair neural connections in the brain that have been damaged by chronic depression.

How Spravato Differs from Traditional Ketamine

While related to Ketamine, Spravato is specifically formulated as a nasal spray and is the only form of ketamine therapy that is currently FDA-approved and often covered by insurance for depression.

• Mechanism: It targets the NMDA receptor to increase the signaling of glutamate, essentially "waking up" dormant synapses in the brain.

• Rapid Relief: Many patients experience a noticeable lift in mood and a reduction in suicidal thoughts within hours or days, rather than weeks.

• Integrated Care: Spravato is designed to be taken in conjunction with a daily oral antidepressant to provide a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to recovery.

The Spravato Experience: What to Expect

Your safety is our priority. Because Spravato can cause temporary sedation or dissociative effects, it must be administered in our clinical suite under medical supervision:

1. Administration: You will self-administer the nasal spray in a private, comfortable treatment room.

2. Observation: You will remain in our office for a two-hour observation period. During this time, you can relax, listen to music, or rest while our staff monitors your blood pressure and well-being.

3. Frequency: Most patients begin with two sessions per week for the first month, tapering down to once weekly, and eventually once every two weeks for maintenance.

4. Recovery: You must arrange for a driver to take you home after your session, as you cannot drive or operate machinery until the following day.

Is Spravato Right for You?

Spravato is a powerful option for adults who:

• Have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

• Have not responded to at least two different oral antidepressants.

• Are seeking an FDA-approved treatment that is potentially covered by their insurance provider.

• Are struggling with acute suicidal ideation and need rapid intervention.

Our team handles the entire REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) enrollment and insurance prior-authorization process for you, ensuring that access to this life-changing treatment is as seamless as possible.