Esketamine

Esketamine, also known by the brand name Spravato®, is a promising new antidepressant that has the potential to work very quickly. Esketamine is chemically related to ketamine and is administered as a nasal spray. Unlike previous antidepressants, many patients feel better after the first or second treatment. Esketamine works in 50-70% of patients with treatment-resistant depression.

“I would say that SeattleNTC is an incredible partner for anyone suffering any kind of mental health issue. Again, I can primarily speak for those with depression, but I would tell anyone who’s dealing with mental health issues: SeattleNTC is on the cutting edge. The staff and the doctors are extremely caring and extremely talented people. Compassionate. Very interested in the outcome and the ongoing of all their treatment.” —Karen H.
”I am so happy to say I had very successful results starting four years ago. Depression to me means a lack of energy and a desire to turn inward. I have felt new energy and sociability since starting TMS. TMS worked so well that I am willing to come forward…with the suggestion that those suffering depression try TMS.” —Tom
”The overall result: life changing. Not being depressed anymore. Didn’t expect it would work at all, but mainly because I didn’t want to get my hopes up. It was a great surprise to be healed.” —Brenna
"The physicians at SeattleNTC are wonderful and I felt they really listened to my needs as a patient. I never knew how much I could enjoy the quality of my life as I do now that I’m depression-free." —Kari
"I was skeptical it would work because I’d been on medications and seen so many doctors. Things were so dark, time felt so long. Hours felt like days, days felt like weeks. Life just feels so much better now. The biggest change is just being able to go about my daily life and my relationships are so much better. I would say that SeattleNTC is an incredible partner for anyone suffering from mental health issues. They are on the cutting edge; the staff and the doctors are extremely caring and talented." —Karen M.
”Three biggest changes in my life: I wake up every morning with gratefulness that I am happy, my energy level is off the charts, and my family is no longer suffering due to my depression.” —Jessica
"Even on medication, I experienced depressive episodes and had to drop classes. Grades were inconsistent as a result, and I had to take off long periods of time. In the past year, since starting TMS, I haven’t dropped any classes and am getting good grades again." —Erica
I just kind of sunk into a hole, cut off all my social communities, had no contact with my prior groups, and all I could do was sort of force myself to go to work, then go home. SeattleNTC introduced me to TMS and overnight, it’s like I came back to life. Everything changed. I’ve reconnected with my church groups, my community, my work and my family. My wife is very grateful, and my kids are happy to have me back. —Jim
I was seriously depressed for over a year and medication was not helping. After about three weeks of TMS treatment, I started to feel better and now I feel better than I ever have. I can’t recommend SeattleNTC enough! All of the staff was knowledgeable and kind. —S.R.

Why Choose Esketamine?

Esketamine is the first FDA-approved therapy found to work for treatment-resistant depression with almost immediate effect. It also may reduce suicidal thoughts and feelings.

What can I expect with Esketamine?

Most oral antidepressants work by increasing levels of neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine) in areas of the brain that affect mood. Esketamine is a nasal spray that is self-administered under the supervision of our doctors and staff. We believe that esketamine works on a different chemical system (glutamate) to create new, stronger connections.

Side Effects

Most side effects occur during the two hours patients are being observed. These may include:

Dissociation (feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feelings, space and time)
Dizziness
Nausea
Feeling sluggish or tired
Spinning sensation
Reduced sense of touch and sensation
Anxiety
Lack of energy
Increased blood pressure
Vomiting
Feeling drunk or euphoric

Most patients have no side effects during the time between treatments.

More Information About Esketamine

Esketamine is administered two times per week for four weeks and, if effective, is then administered every one to two weeks afterward.
Ongoing maintenance treatments seem to be necessary to prevent relapse.
Per FDA regulations, patients taking esketamine self-administer the medication in a physician’s office and must be monitored in the office for 2 hours.
Patients cannot drive for the rest of the day after treatments but may drive again the next morning.
Some patients may experience nausea or vomiting. Because of this, patients should avoid eating two hours before, and drinking liquids 30 minutes before, treatment.