Ketamine is an anesthetic drug that is indicated for treatment-resistant depression (has not responded to antidepressant medication) and Major Depressive Disorder. Back in 2000, a small study and others since then, revealed the drug rapidly improved depressive symptoms. The landscape changed with the Ryan Haight Act in 2020, which the DEA used to ease restrictions for patient access to this schedule III drug for depressive disorders. Under this legislation during the COVID pandemic, any DEA-registered practitioner was allowed to prescribe without in-person visits. Many, if not most, of these prescribers had no mental health training and at-home prescription use of ketamine blossomed without oversight.

Spravato is a brand of Esketamine, an FDA-approved nasal spray for the treatment of MDD and treatment-resistant depression. Spravato has passed clinical trials for safety and efficacy at standard doses for a defined period of time. There is no other FDA-approved ketamine for depression. This includes no FDA-approved oral, intravenous, or injectable drug at this time.

Currently, any DEA registered practitioner. The Ryan Haight Act is under review by Biden’s administration and the DEA. A national Ketamine Registry is currently under consideration by mental health experts, and federal government agencies as we speak.
 
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, the medical professionals at Psychiatry Unplugged in Glendale CA can help you on the path to recovery. Call us today or book an online appointment for ketamine therapy for addiction and substance use disorders, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 121 W Lexington Drive, Suite 414, Suite A Glendale, CA 91203. We serve patients from Glendale CA, Hollywood CA, Burbank CA, Studio City, Pasadena CA, and Calabasas CA. We look forward to serving you!

Generally, yes. Side effects like elevated blood pressure can occur. Most people don’t understand, the main side effects of ketamine are psychiatric. This drug can cause psychosis and dissociation and other non-reality experiences during and after treatment. Ketamine can be abused and can worsen other drug use or addiction disorders. It can also aggravate underlying psychiatric disorders like bipolar mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and panic attacks. It cannot be used with other drugs like alcohol, marijuana, tranquilizers, or opioid-type drugs.  A recent study revealed ketamine poisonings have increased by 81% between 2019 and 2021 according to the analysis of calls to U.S. poison control centers.

We use only FDA-approved ketamine-Spravato in our office. This nasal spray is given twice weekly with at least 24 hours between treatments. Treatments are twice weekly for 1 month, then assessed for continued or maintenance treatment. Since we use FDA-approved esketamine we are able to arrange for insurance coverage for Spravato and medical office visits. Spravato has been shown to have positive effects on your mood as early as 24-48 hours after your first session.

Yes. Spravato as a REMS monitored drug requires an M.D. or other licensed practitioner under psychiatric supervision, to be present during your time spent for the procedure.

We monitor for side effects up to 2 hours after the nasal spray is inhaled. This prevents patients from harm such as delirium, disorientation, or other serious side effects that can occur. Also if side effects do occur, medication for on-the-spot management from nausea to frank psychosis is available for use in our office. Side effects can occur and are manageable with medical supervision. At-home ketamine use can be dangerous and is not a standard of care. Your safety with “medical” oversight is our standard.

We recommend, after each Spravato treatment, relaxing for the rest of the day. You should be able to resume your normal activities the next day.

After your initial consultation, your Physician will team up with a Care Coordinator. The Care Coordinator will take care of the rest, keeping you informed every step of the way. This process can take approx. 2-3 weeks.

YES! Our Care Coordination Team at Psychiatry Unplugged can reach out to your insurance on your behalf and help get the cost of your treatment covered by insurance prior to your first Spravato treatment!

For more information call us today or book an online appointment or visit our clinic conveniently located at 121 W Lexington Drive, Suite 414, Suite A Glendale, CA 91203. We serve patients from Glendale CA, Hollywood CA, Burbank CA, Studio City, Pasadena CA, and Calabasas CA. We look forward to serving you!