Helping you break through treatment-resistant depression
We offer SPRAVATO®, a simple treatment with extraordinary effects, getting you back on track with your simply ordinary life.
Are you looking for information specifically about post-partum depression? Read more about PPD symptoms and solutions here.
Are you looking for information specifically about post-partum depression? Read more about PPD symptoms and solutions here.
Do you struggle to get out of bed in the morning and do simple, normal tasks?
Do you wish you could enjoy life instead of just sleep-walk through it?
Have you tried multiple treatments for major depressive disorder without any success?
Are you still searching for a treatment that will provide the relief you need so you can move beyond simply surviving to living a fulfilling life?
If you said yes to any of these, SPRAVATO® may be an excellent choice for you. When all other treatments have failed, we have seen success with this medication. SPRAVATO® is an FDA-approved, ketamine-based nasal spray designed to help you break through depression that has defied typical treatments. Excel Psychiatric Associates, P.A. in Huntersville, North Carolina (near Charlotte, NC) is certified to administer SPRAVATO® therapy. We work closely with you, your primary care doctor, and your insurance to make sure you receive excellent, affordable, and thorough care on your journey back to a healthy and happy life.
SPRAVATO® PATIENT VIDEOS:
For more information about SPRAVATO®, please refer to the manufacturer’s Prescribing Information and Medication Guide or visit www.spravato.com.
What is SPRAVATO® (esketamine) CIII nasal spray?
SPRAVATO® is not for use as a medicine to prevent or relieve pain (anesthetic). It is not known if SPRAVATO® is safe or effective as an anesthetic medicine. It is not known if SPRAVATO® is safe and effective for use in preventing suicide or in reducing suicidal thoughts or actions. SPRAVATO® is not for use in place of hospitalization if your healthcare provider determines that hospitalization is needed, even if improvement is experienced after the first dose of SPRAVATO®. It is not known if SPRAVATO® is safe and effective in children.
SPRAVATO® vs Ketamine
SPRAVATO® is a ketamine-based treatment, but differs from IV Ketamine. Many people may associate ketamine with psychedelic street drugs, but the Esketamine nasal spray, SPRAVATO®, is FDA-approved and perfectly safe to use in a treatment center under the supervision of a provider and has been proven to help people break through depression where other typical medications have not worked.
At Excel Psychiatric Associates, we understand that finding the right treatment that works for you can be a difficult process. Our doctors, nurses and staff are committed to partnering with you through the process of deciding on whether SPRAVATO® is right for you and to provide a well-coordinated treatment experience.
What do I need to know about a SPRAVATO® treatment?
“As a graduate of Duke University, Dr. Chepke is well-educated and knowledgeable. More importantly though, Dr. Chepke is highly involved in the latest treatment advances in psychiatry. I am currently receiving esketamine from him and it has truly changed my life. Dr. Chepke is one of only a handful of docs in North Carolina approved to administer this medication. … Dr. Chepke and his staff offers it because it is, as in my case, what works when all other therapies have failed.”
— Debra S.
How often will I receive treatment?
Our doctors and nurses are proactive about coordinating care and will ensure an open line of communication with your primary care doctor about your progress. In addition, our care team will help you with a clear understanding of what to expect with SPRAVATO® treatment sessions. We will work with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and your costs prior to SPRAVATO® treatment.
The SPRAVATO® TRD Patient Starter Guide is a comprehensive patient-focused resource to help prepare patients for what to expect before, during, and after treatment with SPRAVATO®. Patients can also find additional information on the clinical evidence, treatment process and REMS program.
The SPRAVATO® MDSI Patient Starter Guide is a comprehensive patient-focused resource for to help prepare patients for what to expect before, during and after treatment with SPRAVATO®. Patients can also find additional information on the clinical evidence, treatment process, and REMS program.
More Information
“This esketamine (Spravato) + new meds is insane. I wake up every day at 7 and I’m not groggy and my anxiety is far lower and I’m happier and more productive. Thank you for supporting me.”
How do I get started with SPRAVATO®?
SPRAVATO® is only available at certified SPRAVATO® treatment centers under the supervision of a healthcare provider who will:
• Determine if SPRAVATO® is right for you
• Discuss your full medical and depression treatment history with you
At Excel Psychiatric Associates, you can be assured that we have completed all of the requirements for REMS certification. We are located in Huntersville, North Carolina, just north of Charlotte, NC. The medical staff at our certified treatment center are trained to prescribe, dispense, and administer SPRAVATO®, and we have established processes and procedures in accordance with the REMS requirements.
FAQs
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The effects of esketamine nasal spray feels different from the way alcohol may make you feel. Since it's a psychedelic drug, you may feel dizzy, euphoric, or intoxicated during treatment and feel groggy afterwards. For the rest of the day you can’t do anything hazardous and will need someone to drive you home.
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Esketamine nasal spray for depression is covered by many major insurance companies.
We partner with a local pharmacy who has been formally approved by SPRAVATO to care for all of the paperwork to obtain insurance approval and coverage for all of your SPRAVATO doses, so that you will only need to pay a copay for the medication.
We are also partnering with Spravato to provide for every one of our patients that will make the sitting fee for the first 8 sessions 100% covered. Each session after that will be $100.
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SPRAVATO® (esketamine) CIII Nasal Spray
While SPRAVATO® and ketamine are chemically related, SPRAVATO® is not the same as IV ketamine. Only SPRAVATO® has undergone extensive controlled clinical trials that informed the FDA approval of the medicine for use in adults with TRD and to treat depressive symptoms in adults with MDD with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.
Ketamine is primarily known for it’s use as an anesthetic and commonly thought of as a psychedelic street drug, but when used under the supervision of a doctor, can be perfectly safe and effective in treating depression.
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You shouldn't take esketamine nasal spray if you have:
Uncontrolled hypertension
History of strokes or brain bleeds
Abnormal blood vessels at risk of bleeding, such as aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
Sensitivity to esketamine
View Indications and Important Safety Information.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about SPRAVATO®?
SPRAVATO® can cause serious side effects, including:
Sedation and dissociation. SPRAVATO® may cause sleepiness (sedation), fainting, dizziness, spinning sensation, anxiety, or feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feelings, space and time (dissociation).
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel like you cannot stay awake or if you feel like you are going to pass out.
Your healthcare provider must monitor you for serious side effects for at least 2 hours after taking SPRAVATO®. Your healthcare provider will decide when you are ready to leave the healthcare setting.
Abuse and misuse. There is a risk for abuse and physical and psychological dependence with SPRAVATO® treatment. Your healthcare provider should check you for signs of abuse and dependence before and during treatment with SPRAVATO®.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.
Your healthcare provider can tell you more about the differences between physical and psychological dependence and drug addiction.
SPRAVATO® Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Because of the risks for sedation, dissociation, and abuse and misuse, SPRAVATO® is only available through a restricted program called the SPRAVATO® Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program. SPRAVATO® can only be administered at healthcare settings certified in the SPRAVATO® REMS Program. Patients treated in outpatient healthcare settings (e.g., medical offices and clinics) must be enrolled in the program.
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. Antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts and actions in some people 24 years of age and younger, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. SPRAVATO® is not for use in children.
Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. Some people may have a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions. These include people who have (or have a family history of) depression or a history of suicidal thoughts or actions.
How can I watch for and try to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions in myself or a family member?
Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings, or if you develop suicidal thoughts or actions.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings.
Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled. Call your healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you or your family member have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:
suicide attempts
worsening depression
thoughts about suicide or dying
other unusual changes in behavior or mood