Practical Advice Auvelity and/or Spravato for Major Depressive Disorder

[Dexter0126]

I’m sorry that happened to you. Has your provider presented other options, like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)? My psychiatrist mentioned that ECT has a 90% response rate, though he considers it a last resort due to the risks. TMS on the other hand is much safer and much less invasive, though I think the response rate is similar to, if not somewhat better than, Spravato. Unlike Spravato, TMS isn’t some fancy drug brand, so I assume starting treatment isn’t as roundabout. Overall, I think either of those is at least worth looking into and discussing with your provider, so please don’t give up.

As for the costs of your treatment, were you not placed in the Spravato withMe Savings Program or Observation Rebate program? My copay for each refill was still over 280$, but the savings program reduced it to 20$.

I originally was set up for TMS but would have to take over a month off of work because the only place that did it anywhere near me was a long ways away and I couldn’t afford to take that much time off. They mentioned ECT but I need to do more research on it due to the potential risks. They didn’t set me up with any of the Spravato rebate programs, I’ll look into those. Thanks for letting me know about them.

 

[Inanimate]

They didn’t set me up with any of the Spravato rebate programs, I’ll look into those. Thanks for letting me know about them.

No problem. I hope you’re able to get reimbursed. The fact that they couldn’t be bothered to enroll you is just criminal. I presume they at least enrolled you with the REMS program so as to cover their asses.

 

[Dexter0126]

No problem. I hope you’re able to get reimbursed. The fact that they couldn’t be bothered to enroll you is just criminal. I presume they at least enrolled you with the REMS program so as to cover their asses.

Yep had to sign my life away with that REMS program before they could even schedule any appointments.

 

[may71]

For me, I don’t know where to go next. Kinda just giving up on having any hope of getting any better

I'm sorry treatment didn't help. Imho, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine would be the next treatments to try, particularly since they would be safer and cheaper than ECT, and there's evidence that these treatments can help with depression. ECT might be a good last resort. There are also some dietary and lifestyle changes that could help. I can say more about this if you're interested.

I hope you'll find something that will help.

 

[Dexter0126]

I'm sorry treatment didn't help. Imho, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine would be the next treatments to try, particularly since they would be safer and cheaper than ECT, and there's evidence that these treatments can help with depression. ECT might be a good last resort. There are also some dietary and lifestyle changes that could help. I can say more about this if you're interested.

I hope you'll find something that will help.

Thank you, I appreciate your advice and kind words.

 

[Inanimate]

@Dexter0126 I wanted to bring to your attention that I visited my primary psychiatrist yesterday, and he commented that I’m one of the 60% of patients that Spravato helped. In other words, while it helps a slight majority of patients, it still leaves a considerable number of patients out in the cold. So for what it’s worth, you’re not alone in that respect.

 

[Lifeisthis]

Hope its helping you

 

[Dexter0126]

@Inanimate Thanks for letting me know the stats on the percentage of people it works for. I am very happy for you that it did help you!

 

[Inanimate]

My suicidal thoughts returned over the weekend. I don’t know whether I’ve actually made progress on this treatment or just an error in judgement. Either way, my depression certainly didn’t take long to catch up.

 

[may71]

My suicidal thoughts returned over the weekend

I'm sorry this happened.

 

[Dexter0126]

@Inanimate , I’m truly sorry your suicidal thoughts and depression returned! Can I ask how many treatments you’ve had? I made it to 5 and my depression got way worse. Just wondering if you made it through the whole way, which for me was twice a week for a month and then supposed to be once a week for a month but with an increase in dosage.

 

[Inanimate]

Weekends are inherently more depressing for me, so that might be why my mood regressed.

I had my sixth treatment today, @Dexter0126. I started with 56 mg twice a week for just one week, then began taking the max dose (84 mg) twice a week onwards. I have three treatments left before I start taking it weekly.

 

[Dexter0126]

I hope as you continue on with your treatments that you’ll feel better again, and that you can find a way to get through your weekends without your depression getting worse over them!