Is Spravato approved for anxiety? Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved SPRAVATO (esketamine) for the treatment of anxiety disorders. However, off-label use can occur in certain clinical situations, especially when symptoms are severe or have been resistant to standard treatments.
If you have been struggling with chronic anxiety, particularly alongside depression, SPRAVATO could be part of an individualized psychiatric care plan. At The Holiner Psychiatric Group, we offer comprehensive evaluations to determine whether innovative treatments such as SPRAVATO could be appropriate in your situation.
SPRAVATO is a prescription nasal spray that contains esketamine, a form of ketamine. The FDA approved this drug in 2019 for adults experiencing treatment-resistant depression. While SPRAVATO is not approved for anxiety, it is currently approved for major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin or norepinephrine, SPRAVATO works by modulating glutamate, an amino acid that serves as a neurotransmitter in your brain. This mechanism can provide rapid symptom relief, sometimes within hours.
This makes it a potential option when you have urgent or persistent symptoms of depression and mental health needs. However, administration is strictly monitored. You must receive SPRAVATO at a certified medical facility under the supervision of healthcare professionals. You are observed for at least two hours for potential side effects such as dissociation or increased blood pressure.
No, SPRAVATO is not FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, social anxiety, or generalized anxiety disorder. Currently, approval is limited to depressive disorders. However, mental health providers can use SPRAVATO off-label in selected patients based on clinical judgment.
Off-label use is the legal practice of prescribing FDA-approved medications for conditions not specifically listed on the label. This occurs when there is sufficient evidence or rationale to support the decision. In some settings, SPRAVATO may be used off-label for anxiety if you also have a co-occurring depression or have not responded to traditional therapies.
Emerging research suggests that SPRAVATO may reduce anxiety symptoms, especially in people who have overlapping anxiety and depression. Ketamine and esketamine show potential in reducing anxiety-related behaviors, but until the FDA grants formal approval for SPRAVATO, use remains investigational.
In cases where your symptoms of anxiety are debilitating and have not responded to multiple treatment approaches, SPRAVATO could be an alternative. The medication may also be considered if you experience severe depression and anxiety, given its proven effects on depression.
Off-label use requires careful psychiatric evaluation, informed consent, and monitoring. We will ensure that you are fully informed about the potential benefits and risks before beginning treatment.
This medication is not a first-line treatment for anxiety but a potential alternative option. While SPRAVATO is not officially approved for anxiety, it may still be considered for those with chronic anxiety with treatment-resistant depression, especially if you have tried multiple medications and therapies with limited results or are looking for an innovative treatment that must be used under close medical supervision.
Your evaluation begins with a psychiatric assessment and thorough review of your mental health history. When appropriate, we will discuss whether SPRAVATO fits your care plan or explore alternative treatments to address your symptoms.
At The Holiner Psychiatric Group, we specialize in managing complex mental health conditions with a patient-centered approach. We offer traditional and innovative therapies to ensure you receive a customized plan of care based on evidence, experience, and compassion.
Struggling with anxiety symptoms that have not responded to care and treatment? We encourage you to reach out for an evaluation. If you have been asking, “Is Spravato approved for anxiety?” we can help clarify your options. Call us today to schedule your consultation and discover if SPRAVATO is a viable option to treat your anxiety.