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Is SPRAVATO Approved for Anxiety?

Anxiety can make you feel disconnected from reality. It can permeate your thoughts, outlook, decisions, and relationships. While many treatments for anxiety are available, you may struggle to find the one that works best for you. We are here to help you find ways to manage your mental health with our comprehensive range of mental health treatment options.

SPRAVATO is emerging as an innovative treatment that can improve the quality of life of those with depression. Because of the link between anxiety and depression, you may wonder, “Is SPRAVATO approved for anxiety?”

What Is SPRAVATO?

SPRAVATO is a nasal spray that is FDA-approved to treat depression in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have not seen improvement in symptoms with two or more oral antidepressants. It is also approved for people with suicidal ideation (SI). SPRAVATO is a unique and fast-acting treatment for depression that can be a breakthrough for people who have not had success with other methods. It increases glutamate receptors in the brain to re-establish important connections involved in mood and cognition.

MDD is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Symptoms include:

  • A depressed mood
  • Loss of interest in daily activities
  • Changes in sleep, appetite, or weight

While oral medications can be effective in treating MDD, taking pills does not improve symptoms for 1 in 3 people. In contrast, a recent study showed that 88 percent of patients experienced significant improvement in depression symptoms within three months of SPRAVATO use. Many people experience relief sooner, sometimes within a day.

Is SPRAVATO Used To Treat Anxiety?

While doctors can prescribe SPRAVATO off-label at their discretion, it is not FDA-approved for anxiety. However, current research suggests that it can be effective in treating anxiety disorders, particularly in those with anxiety and depression. Since SPRAVATO is a relatively new medication (FDA-approved for depression in 2019), research is still being conducted to understand the full scope of its potential. Clinicians are seeing positive results when prescribing SPRAVATO off-label for anxiety.

Am I a Candidate?

While SPRAVATO can be an excellent option for many people with anxiety to achieve a balanced mind and improved quality of life, it is not right for everyone. Suitable candidates for this innovative mental health treatment are people with depression (or, in some cases, anxiety) who have not responded to other forms of treatment, such as antidepressant medication. It is also recommended for people experiencing SI. For these patients, rapid symptom reduction is crucial, and SPRAVATO offers a scientifically grounded, fast-acting treatment.

You may not be an ideal candidate for SPRAVATO if you have uncontrolled medical conditions, such as hypertension, heart conditions, or substance use disorders, as these can increase the potential for risk and unwanted side effects.

The best way to know if you are a candidate for SPRAVATO treatment is to schedule an initial consultation at our office. One of our qualified mental health professionals will discuss your medical history, current state of health, and treatment goals. We can determine your eligibility and create a customized treatment plan that meets your individual needs. While you are undergoing treatment, our dedicated team will closely monitor you throughout the process to ensure your safety, comfort, and care.

Contact Us To Find Out if SPRAVATO Can Help Your Mental Health Concerns

SPRAVATO can be a breakthrough treatment for those who struggle with depression and have not had success with other methods. It is a unique option for treating depression and can also be used off-label to treat anxiety. While SPRAVATO is not approved for anxiety, current research shows promising results.

Call our office today to learn whether SPRAVATO may be right for you.

Disclaimer : Information on this site is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or for the treatment of any mental health condition.