Did you know that over 280 million people in the world suffer from depression every day? Almost 21 million adults (aged 18 or above) in the US had one major episode of it in 2023.
This scourge robs your happiness and the desire to live. But more and more treatment centers are now available to help treat depression than ever before.
If you’re looking for depression treatment or having treatment resistant depression (trd), you can consider Spravato (or esketamine therapy), an FDA-approved nasal spray, by Janssen Pharmaceuticals.
Researchers from John Hopkins University have even called it “a groundbreaking therapy that can provide relief from major depressive disorder (MDD) within hours.” It also helps prevent suicidal thoughts.
But here are 15 alarming facts about Spravato treatment centers that will blow your mind. Read on…
1. Lack of Regulation
One of the most alarming facts is that you can’t find a regulation on how Spravato treatment centers operate. There is no licensing requirement or oversight by state agencies.
That’s why, Sam Mandel, a co-founder and CEO of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA), has suggested a need to develop standards across the field.
2. Costly Spravato Treatments
Another shocking fact is that you can’t afford a Spravato treatment center.
How much does it cost? Well, it depends on your weekly or biweekly visits (count visits) to a treatment center and Spravato doses (that vary from $5,664 to $8,142) in the induction phase (first month).
That’s why it is inaccessible to many. Many health insurance companies do not cover it as well.
But the good news is that Medicare covers Spravato treatments if recommended by your doctor.
3. Limited Access to a Treatment Center
The high cost and lack of insurance coverage also make many Spravato centers inaccessible. It means only a few of you can benefit from this groundbreaking therapy.
4. Short-term Effects
Spravato acts fast. It has shown promising results in clinical trials on individuals experiencing treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or MDD in the short term. Spravato treatment helps in preventing suicide and acute suicidal ideation.
But the long-term effects are still unknown.
5. Potential for Abuse
There is also a potential for its misuse because of Spravato’s profile, which is akin to ketamine, a Schedule III controlled substance.
Substance abuse (or ketamine abuse) is frequent in Asian countries like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China.
In the US, however, you can only access the Spravato treatment center through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program.
6. Possible Side Effects
Like any nasal spray, Spravato treatment comes with a list of possible side effects including nausea, headaches, spinning sensation, insomnia, dry mouth, weight gain, and feelings of apathy.
The most noticeable ones are hallucinations and feeling disconnected.
Spravato may also affect your mental alertness and motor coordination.
Yes, these side effects can put your life at higher risk.
But they wear off within approximately two hours of the last treatment session.
It is also recommended that you have a restful sleep and have a family member take you home after having treatment because it impairs your ability to drive or operate machinery.
7. Lack of Alternative Therapies
Make sure your Spravato treatment center offers alternative therapies like psychotherapy or behavioral interventions as well.
Many fail to do so because they focus only on providing ketamine-based treatments. This one-size-fits-all approach does not work for everyone.
8. Limited Research
Although the FDA approved its use in 2019 with an oral antidepressant, research is still scarce on its long-term effects. This lack of data raises alarms about its widespread use.
You must exercise caution. Evaluate both risk and mitigation strategies before using the services of any treatment center.
9. Off-label Use
As of now, Spravato is the only FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression. But it is still an off-label option.
Many centers still prescribe it for unapproved conditions like anxiety or PTSD. So you should stay away from such a treatment center, as this practice can be dangerous.
10. Marketing Tactics
Many Spravato centers use targeted advertising to attract new clients. They use relevant adverts on other sites to make you an easy target.
This practice can result in false expectations and disappointment.
Steer clear of any healthcare provider that exaggerates the benefits of Spravato while downplaying its potential risks. Make sure they use less-targeted advertising.
11. Lack of Qualified Providers
Another alarming fact is that most Spravato centers do not have qualified healthcare providers.
Make sure your healthcare provider is an expert with years of training and experience in administering ketamine-based therapies safely and effectively.
12. Rapid Expansion
As pointed out above, many Spravato centers are now available. But it is also a warning sign, as many do not have quality control measures in place.
13. Patient Vulnerability
Individuals with depression are often vulnerable due to their mental health struggles. Your situation makes you an easy target for some Spravato centers.
Don’t let unscrupulous healthcare providers looking to make some bucks from your suffering exploit you.
14. Insufficient Follow-up Care
Many patients report a lack of follow-up care after getting treatments in the induction phase. Most do not care about the maintenance phase.
This practice often results in relapse or depressive symptoms over time.
A certified Spravato treatment center provides follow-up care for your well-being in the maintenance phase.
Stay away from any center that fails to monitor your progress and adjust a treatment plan.
15. Ethical Concerns
Finally, there are ethical issues regarding its potential misuse and harm.
So avoid using the services of any center that is not transparent and accountable to ensure your safety and well-being.
Bottom Line
The widespread availability of Spravato centers presents both opportunities and challenges. But you should stay vigilant about potential risks associated with it.
Always advocate for greater regulation, research, and access to evidence-based treatments, prioritizing your safety above all else.
Get in Touch with the Best “Spravato Treatment Center Near Me”
If you’re looking for a Spravato Treatment Center near me or have Medicare insurance, you must get it in REMS-certified Spravato treatment centers like Contemporary Care Centers, CT.
Why CCC? As a certified Spravato treatment center, it gives you a proper treatment plan to treat depression and support to prepare and monitor you during the induction and maintenance phase.
The Spravato Treatment Center locator or the Medicare Health Care Provider Directory is handy when you look for CCC online and need further information. It would give you a more personalized web experience in your search.
At CCC, your mental well-being is our priority. We can help you to do thorough research, talk to our experts, and ask questions about their qualifications, costs, and expected outcomes before taking any step.
