Esketamine Treatment in White Plains, NY: A Breakthrough for Severe Depression
Feb 28, 2025
Innovative therapies like esketamine offer a new path forward in treating severe depression. At Aurora Wellness in White Plains, NY, we provide cutting-edge esketamine treatments to help individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation (MDSI). In this article, we’ll explore how esketamine works, its benefits, and why it might be the right choice for you.
What Is Esketamine (Spravato)?
Esketamine, marketed under the brand name Spravato, is a breakthrough medication designed specifically for severe depression. Derived from ketamine—an anesthetic developed in the 1960s—esketamine is one of two mirror-image molecules (stereoisomers) that make up ketamine.
Developed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, esketamine received FDA approval in 2019 for the treatment of TRD and MDSI after rigorous clinical trials demonstrated its safety and effectiveness.
How Does Esketamine Work?
Esketamine targets NMDA receptors in the brain, increasing the release of glutamate—a key neurotransmitter responsible for brain connectivity and emotional regulation. This cascade triggers the release of neurotrophic factors, which strengthen connections between nerve cells and help repair brain circuits affected by depression.
Key Benefits of Esketamine’s Mechanism of Action
Enhances brain connectivity, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which is underactive in depression.
Promotes the repair of brain tissue damaged by chronic stress.
Quickly improves mood and reduces symptoms of depression.
Esketamine vs. Ketamine: Key Differences
Although esketamine and ketamine share similarities, they differ in several important ways:
FDA Approval
Esketamine: FDA-approved for TRD and MDSI, ensuring strict safety and quality standards.
Ketamine: Often used "off-label" for mental health conditions without FDA approval.
Selectivity and Side Effects
Esketamine: More selective interaction with NMDA receptors allows for lower doses and fewer side effects.
Ketamine: Less selective, with higher doses potentially leading to more pronounced side effects.
Administration
Esketamine: Administered as a nasal spray (Spravato) under medical supervision, offering a convenient and less invasive experience.
Ketamine: Delivered via IV infusions, intramuscular injections, or oral tablets, often requiring more clinical setup.
Indication of use
Esketamine: Reserved for TRD and MDSI, with strict eligibility criteria.
Ketamine: Used for a broader range of conditions, including anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders.
Efficacy
Esketamine: Effective and FDA-approved, with a slightly lower response rate compared to IV ketamine in clinical trials.
Ketamine: Demonstrates high response rates, particularly with IV administration, but lacks FDA approval for mental health conditions.
Benefits of Esketamine for Depression Relief
Rapid Symptom Relief
Esketamine works within hours or days, offering fast-acting relief for those in urgent need.
Sustained Improvements
The effects of esketamine last longer than traditional antidepressants, with benefits often continuing for days or weeks after treatment.
FDA-Approved for Safety
Esketamine has undergone rigorous clinical testing to ensure its safety and effectiveness, making it a trusted treatment option.
Insurance Coverage
Most major insurance companies cover esketamine, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients.
Esketamine Treatment at Aurora Wellness in White Plains, NY
At Aurora Wellness, we specialize in providing trauma-informed care to individuals battling severe depression. Located in White Plains, NY, our clinic is dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate treatment tailored to your needs.
What to Expect During Esketamine Treatment
Initial Consultation:
We begin with a thorough assessment to determine whether esketamine is the right treatment for you.
Treatment Sessions:
You will self-administer the Spravato nasal spray under the guidance of our skilled medical team.
Each session lasts about two hours, including monitoring for side effects like dizziness or mild dissociation.
Aftercare:
Following treatment, we provide personalized aftercare recommendations to maximize the benefits of your sessions.
Treatment Schedule
Initial Phase: Two sessions per week for the first four weeks.
Maintenance Phase: Sessions are spaced out based on your progress and response to treatment.
Making Esketamine Affordable
At Aurora Wellness, we strive to make esketamine treatment as accessible as possible. While patients may need to pay copays and evaluation costs, insurance typically covers a significant portion of treatment expenses. Our team will help you navigate your insurance options to minimize financial stress.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If you’re struggling with severe depression and haven’t found relief with traditional treatments, esketamine could be the solution you need. At Aurora Wellness in White Plains, NY, our experienced team provides safe, effective, and compassionate care to help you regain control of your mental health.
Read more
Mental Health Matters —
