HOW KETAMINE / ESKETAMINE / SPRAVATO WORK FOR DEPRESSION

By Brittany Albright MD, MPH

At Sweetgrass Psychiatry, we have observed the astounding benefits of Spravato / esketamine since 2019 at alleviating depression symptoms in our patients that have not had success with many other antidepressant medications and therapy. I was inspired to offer something radically different than our usual treatment options. Anecdotally, I was amazed to see patients I had largely unsuccessfully treated for years finally “wake up” after starting on Spravato / esketamine.

I view my patients as an extension of my family. My patients deserve innovative, new, evidence based, safe, affordable and effective treatments for depression. I am extremely passionate that no one should be left to suffer with depression without maximal treatment efforts on my part. This is why I chose to be a physician and specifically a psychiatrist.

Please refer to this Yale article that discusses the mechanism of action of esketamine and ketamine for depression:

“Interestingly, studies from Yale research labs showed that the drug ketamine, which was widely used as anesthesia during surgeries, triggers glutamate production, which, in a complex, cascading series of events, prompts the brain to form new neural connections. This makes the brain more adaptable and able to create new pathways, and gives patients the opportunity to develop more positive thoughts and behaviors. This was an effect that had not been seen before, even with traditional antidepressants.  “ : https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/ketamine-depression

Call or text Sweetgrass Psychiatry today at (843) 800-1303, locations in Mount Pleasant, SC and Isle of Palms, SC to schedule a consultation to see if you are an appropriate candidate for Spravato / esketamine treatments for depression.

*Below is a picture of our Spravato / esketamine treatment room at our Mount Pleasant location, complete with a zero gravity massage chair so that you feel maximally comfortable during your treatments.