Depression during pregnancy is a genuine and serious issue. It can have negative consequences for both the mother and the baby. In some cases, depression may continue after pregnancy. Recent research has shown that spravato may be an effective treatment for depression after pregnancy.
Spravato is a nasal spray that contains the active ingredient esketamine. Esketamine is an effective treatment for depression, especially when other treatments have failed. Spravato is usually used in conjunction with antidepressant medication.
Most new moms experience postpartum “baby blues” after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues typically begin within the first two to three days after delivery, and may last for up to two weeks.
Signs and symptoms of baby blues — which last only a few days to a week or two after your baby is born — may include:
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Sadness
• Irritability
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Crying
• Reduced concentration
• Appetite problems
• Trouble sleeping
Postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first — but the signs and symptoms are more intense and last longer and may eventually interfere with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but may begin earlier ― during pregnancy ― or later — up to a year after birth.
Postpartum depression signs and symptoms may include:
• Depressed mood or severe mood swings
• Excessive crying
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
• Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
• Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
• Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Intense irritability and anger
• Fear that you’re not a good mother
• Hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
• Restlessness
• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer.
Esketamine is a type of medication that can be used to treat major depressive disorder. It produces its peak concentration in the body between 20-40 minutes, which makes it much faster than traditional antidepressants and more effective for people experiencing acute episodes or thoughts about harming themselves and others.
The most common side effects that can occur during and after taking SPRAVATO® to include:
• Feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feelings, and things around you (dissociation)
• Dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Feeling sleepy (sedation)
• Spinning sensation.
• Decreased feeling of sensitivity (numbness)
• Feeling anxious.
• Lack of energy.
• Increased blood pressure
• Vomiting
• Feeling drunk
• Feeling very happy or excited
The results of this study show that about seven out of ten people saw an improvement from the new pill, but less than five percent experienced similar benefits when only using a single medication. In addition to being combined with Spravato some participants also reported significant increases in symptoms reduction during treatment which suggests it’s worth trying both medications for yourself!
It’s important to note that the most common side effects during and after taking SPRAVATO® include dizziness, vertigo, nausea, headache, fatigue, and insomnia. However, these symptoms usually lessen over time. If you are struggling with any postpartum blues or depression symptoms we mentioned earlier in this blog post, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Our team at American Addiction Centers is here to support you through your treatment journey. Contact us today to learn more about our evidence-based programs for treating depression and how they may be a good fit for you or your loved one. (773) 799-8520.