Searching for effective mental health treatment can often feel overwhelming. You may face obstacles, such as unwanted side effects and long waiting periods before noticing results, or you may feel no improvement at all.
If you are living with depression and have not found relief through standard medications, Spravato may offer a new path forward. This innovative nasal spray is clinically proven to work for individuals who have not responded to other treatments. At Shore Clinical TMS & Wellness Center, our dedicated team is here to help you understand how Spravato works and determine whether this innovative treatment is a good fit for your mental health needs.
What this guide covers:
Spravato is an FDA-approved treatment designed for major depressive disorder. It is particularly beneficial for those with treatment-resistant depression, a form of depression that has not improved after trying two or more antidepressant medications. Spravato is administered as a nasal spray containing esketamine, a compound that works to improve mood and emotional regulation.
You can expect to feel the effects of Spravato more quickly than with traditional antidepressants, making it a good choice for those experiencing suicidal thoughts. You will self-administer this nasal spray in our office under the careful supervision of one of our psychiatry providers, who will monitor you for about two hours after your dose.
Spravato works differently from medications such as SSRIs or SNRIs, making it a valuable option for those with treatment-resistant depression who have not responded to these typical antidepressants. The esketamine nasal spray targets glutamate receptors in the brain, which regulate mood and cognition. It can also enhance neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and form new neural connections. This mechanism can help reverse some of the damage caused by chronic depression.
While traditional antidepressants work for some, about one in three people do not find relief with these medications. Many patients experience a meaningful reduction in symptoms after just one Spravato session. Results are fast-acting and long-lasting for those who follow the recommended treatment course.
Spravato is delivered in phases that were developed using evidence-based dosing recommendations for best results. The first phase is known as the induction phase and lasts four weeks, during which you will come to our office for treatment twice per week. In weeks five through eight, dosing typically occurs once per week to stabilize your response. After week eight, you will transition to the maintenance phase, and you will typically have sessions every other week. During this ongoing phase, adjustments can be made as needed based on your progress.
Studies show that patients who continued to use Spravato at least every other week after completing their induction and maintenance phases were less likely to experience a relapse in depression symptoms compared to those who stopped treatment (Daly et al., 2019).
While many patients experience an initial improvement in mood after just 24 hours of Spravato use, you can expect to have meaningful and sustained symptom reduction after the first four weeks of treatment. It is important to closely monitor your mental and physical wellness during this time. We are here to support you through this process, ensure your Spravato treatments are working, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
If you are still searching for relief from depression, Spravato may restore your hope for a solution. Dr. Srisai Gowda and our clinical team have helped guide many patients toward wellness with Spravato. Contact us today to learn more about how Spravato works and find out if this treatment is right for you.
