Ketamine Therapy

Bowman Medical Group

Psychiatrists & Mental Health Providers located in Beverly Hills, CA

Have you tried antidepressants, counseling, and other treatments for depression without success? When you can’t find the right treatment, it’s easy to become discouraged. There is hope for all patients who suffer from treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder. Bowman Medical Group is a certified site that offers Ketamine therapy treatment with Spravato™ to address depressive symptoms. To find out if you’re a candidate for Spravato therapy, call the Beverly Hills, California, office today.

Ketamine Therapy Q & A

What is ketamine therapy with Spravato?

Spravato is a prescription esketamine nasal spray that can reduce the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. It’s a highly regulated, in-office treatment that can only be administered at a certified treatment center under the supervision of a health care provider, and taken in addition to a daily antidepressant.

Ketamine consists of two mirror-image molecules known as enantiomers. When ketamine is used as an infusion or as an anesthetic, the drug includes half of each molecule. Esketamine is only the S-enantiomer molecule. 

Spravato is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression. In clinical studies, the medication reduced a variety of depression symptoms. Compared to traditional antidepressants, Spravato is fast-acting. During clinical trials, patients reported that some of their symptoms improved within 24 hours. 

How do I use Spravato?

Spravato is only available for in-office use, and it is taken in addition to a daily oral antidepressant. The treatment consists of a minimum two-hour office visit. During the visit, you will self administer the medication intranasally under the observation of a clinician and will be monitored over the course of the appointment for potential side effects. 

If you’re congested, talk to your healthcare provider at Bowman Medical Group about whether you should use a saline nasal rinse or a spray decongestant an hour or two before you take Spravato.   What should I expect while using Spravato?

When you use Spravato, you spend a minimum of two hours at Bowman Medical Group so a member of the team can monitor you as the medication takes effect. Spravato can make you very tired and cause dissociation. You may have tingling sensations in your extremities or mild hallucinations, or experience elevated blood pressure. When the initial side effects subside, usually within two hours, your provider will discharge you. 

It is important to note that on the day of treatment, you will not be able to drive or operate heavy machinery. It will be mandatory that you make transportation arrangements with a friend, family member, or rideshare service.

How do I know if ketamine therapy with Spravato is right for me?

At Bowman Medical Group, your provider gives comprehensive consultations and exams before prescribing any type of treatment. If you have treatment-resistant depression and haven’t found a medication or treatment that effectively relieves your symptoms, Spravato might be right for you. 

You shouldn’t use Spravato if you have high blood pressure or any other blood vessel problems, heart disease, or liver disease. Additionally, Spravato isn’t appropriate if you have a personal or family history of psychosis or substance abuse disorder. 

Call Bowman Medical Group to make an appointment today to find out if Spravato nasal spray is right for you.