Atkinson Family Practice

What is the process at AFP to qualify?

1. Be a current patient at AFP

2. Contact your PCP or behavioral health provider at AFP and request a consult for Spravato

 

After the consultation with an AFP Spravato Provider you will know if you are qualified and we will attempt to get authorization of Spravato from your insurance. You should have a therapist and a medication prescriber (can be pcp for medication) and should continue to take your antidepressant while getting Spravato.

 

What is treatment resistant depression?

TRD is generally defined as depression that has failed to respond to “treatment as usual”. In other words, there has been inadequate response to use of antidepressant medications at adequate doses for an adequate amount of time, in the current depressive episode. In these instances Spravato therapy  is a safe and effective alternative that can bring rapid relief.

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What does the treatment process look like? 

Spravato® (Esketamine) is administered by nasal spray and must be given under the supervision of a doctor in a REMS- certified site. We will meet with you prior to the treatment to show you around the area, discuss the treatment process and make sure you're comfortable. Treatment plans may vary, traditionally, treatment  is administered twice a week for four weeks, and then weekly for four weeks. Treatment following the first eight weeks is customized according to patient response and need.

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Each treatment session lasts for two hours during which our  staff will monitor your BP and comfort throughout the treatment. Following administration of treatment patients can experience a sense of sedation, sleepiness, disconnection and dissociation.