Does Spravato cause weight gain? This is a common concern for many exploring new treatments for depression. The short answer is: Spravato does not typically cause weight gain. Studies thus far have not shown weight gain as a prominent side effect. However, individual responses to medication can vary.
Spravato is an esketamine nasal spray approved by the FDA as a breakthrough treatment for those with treatment-resistant depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to show results, Spravato often provides relief within hours. This fast-acting nature makes it a vital tool for those who have struggled to find effective treatments before.
At Anew Therapy Utah, we offer Spravato as part of our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for mental health. Our goal is to help individuals find rapid relief from depressive symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Does Spravato Cause Weight Gain?
Clinical Evidence on Weight Gain
When it comes to Spravato and weight gain, clinical evidence suggests that there is no significant link. In the SUSTAIN-1 and SUSTAIN-2 trials, weight changes among patients using Spravato were minimal. For instance, during the SUSTAIN-1 trial, patients on Spravato experienced an average weight change of just 0.3 kg, compared to 1 kg for those on a placebo.
Similarly, the ESCAPE-TRD study reported that only 2.7% of patients on Spravato experienced increased weight, compared to 12.5% with another antidepressant, QUE-XR. These findings highlight that Spravato does not commonly lead to weight gain.
The FDA’s patient medication guide also does not list weight gain as a common side effect of Spravato. This aligns with the clinical trial results, suggesting that concerns about weight gain may be more related to individual factors rather than the medication itself.
Factors Influencing Weight Changes
While Spravato itself isn’t a major cause of weight gain, other factors can influence weight changes during treatment. Depression itself can alter eating behaviors, sometimes leading to overeating or binge eating as coping mechanisms, or else avoiding food altogether. Therefore, depressive symptoms getting worse or depressive symptoms improving can affect weight, independent of any medication.
Moreover, oral antidepressants often prescribed alongside Spravato can contribute to weight fluctuations. Some antidepressants may increase appetite or cause metabolic changes that lead to weight gain, while others might lead to weight loss due to side effects like nausea.
Personal differences also play a crucial role in how weight might change. Factors such as age, genetics, lifestyle, and concurrent medication use can all impact weight.
At Anew Therapy Utah, we emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to mental health treatment. This means considering all aspects of a patient’s lifestyle and medical history to understand potential weight changes during treatment with Spravato.
In summary, while Spravato does not typically cause weight gain, it’s important to consider the broader context of each patient’s health and treatment plan. Open communication with healthcare providers can help address any concerns and ensure a balanced approach to managing depression and overall well-being.
Other Common Side Effects of Spravato
Spravato, the esketamine nasal spray offered by Anew Therapy, is a promising treatment for depression and is often covered by insurance. However, like any medication, it comes with its own set of side effects. Some side effects are more common than others, and it’s important to be informed.
Cardiovascular Effects
Spravato can cause increased blood pressure. This typically happens about 40 minutes after taking a dose and can last around 4 hours. While this isn’t a big deal for most people, it can be risky for those with heart issues. In rare cases, very high blood pressure can lead to serious problems like a hypertensive crisis or even a stroke.
If you’re worried about your heart health while using Spravato, talk to your doctor. They can monitor your blood pressure and make sure you’re safe.
Mental and Physical Effects
Spravato can also affect how you feel both mentally and physically. Some people experience dizziness or feel like they’re spinning, known as vertigo. You might also feel nausea or even throw up, but this usually doesn’t last long.
Another side effect is dissociation, where you might feel disconnected from reality. This is one of the reasons Spravato has a boxed warning—the most serious warning from the FDA. It means you should be monitored by a healthcare professional after taking it. At Anew Therapy, we monitor our patients during each Spravato session to ensure their health and safety.
Sedation is another common side effect of Spravato, making you feel sleepy or sluggish. Some people might even experience hallucinations, seeing or hearing things that aren’t there. These effects can be unsettling, so we again stress how crucial it is to take Spravato under medical supervision.
In some rare cases, people might lose feeling in parts of their body or develop bladder problems. While these aren’t common, they can be serious and should be discussed with your doctor.
Understanding these side effects can help you and your healthcare provider manage them effectively. Always keep an open line of communication with your medical team to ensure the best possible outcome while using Spravato. At Anew Therapy, we believe Spravato and IM ketamine therapy are among the best options for treating depression effectively and rapidly.
Conclusion
Spravato offers hope for those battling treatment-resistant depression, but like any medication, it comes with side effects. While some might worry about weight gain, current research and clinical trials suggest that this isn’t a common concern with Spravato. Instead, side effects like dizziness, nausea, and increased blood pressure are more typical. It’s crucial to be aware of these and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
At Anew Therapy Utah, we prioritize patient safety and well-being. Our team closely monitors patients during Spravato treatment to manage any side effects effectively. We understand that each individual is unique, which is why we offer personalized treatment plans custom to your needs.
Our holistic approach not only focuses on rapid symptom relief but also considers your overall mental health journey. By combining Spravato with other therapies like psychotherapy, we aim to provide comprehensive care that addresses both symptoms and underlying causes of depression.
If you’re exploring treatment options for depression, consider the benefits of Spravato and our supportive care environment. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you on your path to recovery.
