What Is Spravato? A New Option for Treatment-Resistant Depression

For many individuals struggling with depression, traditional treatments like antidepressant medications and therapy can be life-changing. However, not everyone experiences relief. If you’ve tried multiple medications without success, you may be dealing with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and newer options like Spravato® may offer hope.

What Is Spravato?

Spravato (esketamine) is an FDA-approved prescription nasal spray used to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression. It was approved in 2019 and is specifically designed for patients who have not improved after trying at least two different antidepressants.

Unlike traditional antidepressants taken daily at home, Spravato is administered in a certified medical setting under supervision. It is also approved for certain patients with major depressive disorder and suicidal thoughts, making it an important option in more severe cases.

How Is Spravato Different from Traditional Antidepressants?

Most antidepressants work by targeting brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Spravato works differently. It targets the brain’s glutamate system, a key neurotransmitter involved in mood, learning, and neural connectivity. Specifically, Spravato acts on NMDA receptors, which may help restore connections between brain cells affected by depression.

Why this matters:

• Traditional antidepressants can take weeks to show results
• Spravato may begin working much faster- sometimes within hours to days
• It offers a completely different mechanism, giving hope to patients who haven’t responded to other treatments

What to Expect During Spravato Treatment

Spravato treatment is different from taking a daily pill. It follows a structured, in-office approach:

• In-Clinic Administration: You self-administer the nasal spray under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
• Monitoring Period: After treatment, you are monitored for at least two hours to ensure safety and manage potential side effects.
• Treatment Schedule: Typically twice weekly for the first month, then
• Weekly or biweekly for maintenance (based on your response)

Because of safety considerations, Spravato is only available through a restricted program (REMS) in certified clinics.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Spravato?

Spravato may be appropriate if you:

• Have been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression
• Have tried at least two antidepressants without relief
• Continue to experience significant depressive symptoms
• May be struggling with suicidal thoughts or severe depression

A consultation with a qualified provider, like the team at WIN TMS, can determine if this treatment is right for you.

Benefits of Spravato

Spravato has generated significant interest because of its unique advantages:

Rapid Relief

Many patients experience improvement faster than with traditional medications.

New Mechanism of Action

Targets a different brain pathway, offering hope when other treatments fail.

Reduced Risk of Relapse

Some studies show continued treatment may lower the risk of symptoms returning.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations

Like any medical treatment, Spravato comes with risks. Common side effects may include:

• Drowsiness or sedation
• Dissociation (feeling disconnected)
• Increased blood pressure
• Nausea

Because of these effects, patients must be monitored after each session and cannot drive until the next day.

Spravato is carefully regulated due to risks such as sedation and misuse, which is why it is only administered in certified healthcare settings.

Spravato vs. TMS Therapy

At WIN TMS, patients often ask how Spravato compares to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

Both are effective options for treatment-resistant depression, but they work in very different ways. In some cases, they may even complement each other.

Is Spravato Right for You?

If you’ve been struggling with depression and feel like nothing has worked, it’s important to know that you still have options. Spravato represents a major advancement in depression treatment, especially for patients who have not found relief through traditional methods. While it’s not the right fit for everyone, it can be life-changing for the right candidate.

Take the Next Step with WIN TMS

At WIN TMS, we specialize in advanced, evidence-based treatments for depression, including TMS therapy and Spravato.

If you’re ready to explore new options and take back control of your mental health, our team is here to help.

Contact WIN TMS today to schedule a consultation and find out if Spravato is right for you.