Does Spravato Help with Anxiety? Everything You Need to Know

Anxiety—it’s that unwanted guest that crashes the party and refuses to leave. You’ve likely tried everything to keep it at bay—meditation, therapy, maybe even those herbal teas everyone swears by. But what if nothing seems to work? Enter Spravato, a groundbreaking treatment that's caught the attention of many for its ability to combat treatment-resistant depression (TRD). But can it help with anxiety too? Let's dive in and figure this out together.

What is Spravato?

Before we get into whether or not Spravato can help with anxiety, let’s break down what this treatment is all about.

Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, a nasal spray version of ketamine, a drug long used for anesthesia and, yes, sometimes for recreational purposes. But don’t let its party reputation fool you—this is serious business. In 2019, the FDA gave it the green light to treat treatment-resistant depression and, more recently, major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal ideation. And here’s where things get interesting: Spravato works differently from the usual suspects like SSRIs or SNRIs.

Instead of focusing on neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine, Spravato targets the NMDA receptors in the brain, leading to increased levels of glutamate. It’s like giving your brain a bit of a reboot—rewiring those circuits that keep feeding into negative thought patterns.

Does Spravato Help with Anxiety?

Now, the million-dollar question: Does Spravato help with anxiety?

Well, the official answer is a bit of a “yes, but…” situation. As of now, the FDA has only approved Spravato for depression, specifically for treatment-resistant depression and depression with suicidal thoughts. However, anxiety often likes to tag along with depression—like that friend who refuses to leave after you say goodbye.

In clinical trials, patients dealing with depression and anxiety reported significant improvements in both conditions after starting Spravato. A 2021 study even found “clinically meaningful improvement” in patients with anxiety and depression when treated with Spravato (Daly et al., 2021).

How Spravato Affects Anxiety Symptoms

While Spravato is primarily marketed for depression, there’s a growing belief that its ability to trigger neuroplasticity—a fancy word for your brain’s ability to form new, healthy connections—may also help reduce anxiety symptoms. By rewiring parts of the brain responsible for negative emotions, Spravato could be doing double-duty, helping patients with both anxiety and depression.

The Science Behind Spravato: Why It Might Work for Anxiety

Okay, let’s nerd out for a minute—just briefly, I promise. The way Spravato works is kind of like giving your brain a power boost. It doesn’t just soothe symptoms on the surface. Instead, it changes how your brain works at a deeper level. It blocks the NMDA receptors, which are involved in regulating glutamate, the brain’s most important excitatory neurotransmitter.

More glutamate means better neuroplasticity, which allows your brain to adapt and form new neural pathways. For someone with anxiety, this could mean retraining the brain to stop associating everyday situations with fear or worry.

Imagine your brain is like a well-worn hiking trail. You’ve walked the same path for years, and it’s easy to keep following that route, even if it’s no longer the best way to go. Spravato comes in and gives you a fresh map—new paths, new possibilities.

How Does Spravato Compare to Traditional Anxiety Treatments?

So, how does Spravato stack up against more well-known anxiety treatments, like SSRIs, SNRIs, or even benzodiazepines?

SSRIs and SNRIs

Most doctors prescribe SSRIs (like Zoloft or Lexapro) or SNRIs (like Effexor) to treat anxiety. These medications can take weeks (sometimes months) to start working. And they don’t work for everyone. Plus, side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or insomnia can make them tough to stick with long-term.

Benzodiazepines

Then, there are benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Ativan). These can be effective almost immediately, but they’re not a great long-term solution due to their potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Spravato's Unique Approach

Where Spravato differs is in its speed and method. Most patients report relief within 24-48 hours. That’s significantly faster than traditional treatments, and it’s why Spravato is such a game-changer for people who’ve tried everything else.

Clinical Studies on Spravato and Anxiety: What the Data Tells Us

Although Spravato isn’t officially approved for treating anxiety, clinical studies have shown that people with depression and comorbid anxiety have seen notable improvements. In a post-hoc analysis by Daly et al. (2021), patients with both depression and anxiety who were treated with Spravato saw better outcomes than those who received a placebo.

Interestingly, the patients who had moderate to severe anxiety (measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale, or GAD-7) also showed significant improvement in both depression and anxiety symptoms. It seems that while Spravato wasn’t initially developed to treat anxiety, it may have the side benefit of helping those with comorbid conditions.

Spravato Treatment: What to Expect for Anxiety Relief

So, what can you expect if you’re considering Spravato as a treatment option? First things first: Spravato is administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It’s not something you take home and casually spray while watching Netflix.

Here’s how a typical treatment session might go:

1. Pre-Treatment Check-In: A healthcare provider will monitor your vitals and general health before starting.
2. Self-Administration: You’ll be guided to use the nasal spray (yes, you spray it yourself) under supervision.
3. Observation Period: You’ll be monitored for about two hours after taking the medication to ensure there are no adverse effects.
4. Post-Treatment: You may feel a little “out of it” for a few hours, so driving or operating heavy machinery is a no-go after your session.

Many patients describe the experience as mildly dissociative—kind of like watching yourself from a distance. While that might sound strange, most find it to be a calm, introspective experience.

Real Patient Stories: Does Spravato Really Help with Anxiety?

When it comes to treatments, nothing speaks louder than personal experiences. Let’s hear from some people who have tried Spravato for their anxiety.

Emily, a 35-year-old from Atlanta, struggled with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression for over a decade. After years of trying different medications with little success, her doctor suggested Spravato. “At first, I was skeptical,” she admits. “But after the second treatment, it was like a light switch turned on. The constant knot in my stomach eased, and I could think clearly for the first time in years.”

Mike, who had suffered from social anxiety disorder (SAD), shares a similar story: “I was at the point where I was afraid to leave my house. After a few treatments of Spravato, I’m not saying it was an overnight miracle, but I felt like I could finally breathe again. Social events no longer felt like torture.”

Side Effects of Spravato: What You Need to Know

While the benefits are promising, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects. The most common side effects reported include:

• Dissociation (feeling detached from reality)
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Increased blood pressure

The dissociation effect may sound scary, but many patients describe it as a gentle, almost meditative experience. However, since side effects can vary from person to person, always discuss your medical history and concerns with a healthcare provider before starting Spravato.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spravato and Anxiety

Q: Does Spravato help with anxiety if I don’t have depression? A: Right now, Spravato is only FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and depression with suicidal thoughts. However, many patients with comorbid anxiety have reported improvements.

Q: How fast does Spravato work for anxiety? A: One of Spravato’s biggest advantages is its speed—many patients report feeling relief in as little as 24-48 hours after their first treatment.

Q: Is Spravato covered by insurance for anxiety treatment? A: Currently, insurance usually covers Spravato for treatment-resistant depression. If you also have anxiety, it’s worth discussing your options with your insurance provider.

Final Thoughts: Is Spravato Right for You?

So, does Spravato help with anxiety? The answer is promising, but it depends. While the research is still evolving, many patients with depression and comorbid anxiety have found significant relief. If you’ve tried traditional treatments and still feel like you’re walking a tightrope of anxiety that never ends, Spravato might just be worth a try.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. And remember, everyone’s journey with mental health is unique, so what works for one person might not be the magic bullet for another.

Curious about giving Spravato a go? Talk to your doctor and explore whether this cutting-edge treatment could be the light at the end of the tunnel for your anxiety.