For those who haven’t found relief from treatment-resistant depression, Spravato is offering new hope. Around 21 million Americans experience depression, and about 1 in 3 people don’t find relief from their symptoms with traditional antidepressant medication. However, according to The Neuropsychiatry & TMS Group, 50–70% of patients who receive Spravato experience relief within the first four weeks.
Let’s take a closer look at this medication that’s changing the way we treat treatment-resistant depression and whether it could be the right option for you.
What does treatment-resistant depression look like?
Depression shows up in many ways and often when you least expect it. Depression symptoms often include low mood, loss of interest, trouble concentrating, weight fluctuations, minimal energy, and in more serious cases, suicidal thoughts. Getting back on your feet can feel overwhelming—but when these symptoms persist for several weeks, it’s time to seek support. For some, even after trying multiple medications, the symptoms don’t go away. This is when it may be considered treatment-resistant depression.
What are the benefits of Spravato and how is it different from other treatments?
Traditional antidepressants work by raising levels of serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine. While they can be effective for many, they typically take 4–6 weeks to start working and not everyone experiences relief from them. If you haven’t experienced relief with traditional treatments, there’s still hope.
Esketamine, also known by the brand name Spravato, could provide the relief you’re looking for. It’s part of the ketamine molecule and is FDA-approved as a nasal spray. It’s administered under medical supervision in a clinical setting. While Spravato is more potent than IV ketamine, it’s given in a lower dose often with fewer side effects.
Spravato works differently than traditional antidepressants. Instead of targeting serotonin, it works on the NMDA receptor in the brain and affects glutamate, a chemical linked to mood regulation. This helps the brain “rewire” and form new, healthier neural connections that improve emotional regulation.
What can I expect from the Spravato treatments?
You and your healthcare provider will determine if Spravato is right for you by reviewing your health history and symptoms. If you’re a good candidate, treatment begins with two sessions per week for the first month. In the second month, sessions are reduced to once per week—all under the close supervision of your physician. After each session, you’ll be monitored for two hours to assess how you respond to the treatment and any side effects. After the first two months, your treatment plan will be re-evaluated and adjusted as needed.
Spravato can be taken with other antidepressants or medications. Some people experience relief within 24 hours of their first session, while others notice a more significant difference after four weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know if I truly have Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Treatment-Resistant Depression is diagnosed when your symptoms continue even after trying at least two antidepressants at the right dose and period of time, to be assessed by your providers. Your provider will also consider how long your symptoms have lasted and how much they affect your daily life. If they persist despite treatment, options like Spravato may be recommended.
2. What are the main benefits of Spravato?
The benefits of Spravato include its ability to work much faster than traditional antidepressants, often offering relief within hours to days. It also helps the brain form healthier neural pathways, which can support long-term mood stability. For many, this leads to relief from Treatment-Resistant Depression when other treatments haven’t helped.
3. Is Spravato safe, and what side effects should I expect?
Spravato is FDA-approved and administered under medical supervision to ensure safety. Some people may experience temporary side effects like dizziness, dissociation, or nausea, which usually fade within the two-hour monitoring window. Your care team will evaluate your response at each session to make sure you tolerate the treatment well.
4. Can I drive after a Spravato session?
No, because Spravato can temporarily affect coordination and alertness, you will need someone else to drive you home. Most patients arrange a ride from a partner, friend, or rideshare service. You can typically resume normal activities the next day.
5. How long do the benefits of Spravato last?
Many patients notice improvements that continue even between treatments as their brain forms new, more adaptive neural connections. Over time, sessions are usually spaced out as symptoms improve. Your provider will personalize your plan to help maintain relief from Treatment-Resistant Depression over the long term.
6. Can Spravato be used alongside talk therapy or other medications?
Yes, Spravato is often combined with an oral antidepressant and can also complement psychotherapy. This combined approach supports both biological and emotional healing. Many patients find that therapy becomes more effective once their depression symptoms begin to subside.
7. Will I feel the effects of Spravato immediately during the appointment?
Some people experience subtle shifts, such as a lighter mood or reduced emotional heaviness, within the first 24 hours. Others notice changes more gradually over the first few weeks as the brain responds to treatment. Each person’s timeline is unique, but many benefit from Spravato early in their treatment plan.
8. How is Spravato different from ketamine infusions?
Spravato is a specific form of ketamine (esketamine) that is FDA-approved for Treatment-Resistant Depression and administered as a nasal spray. Ketamine infusions use a different formula and dosing approach. Both target glutamate pathways, but Spravato offers the added benefits of regulated dosing, insurance coverage in many cases, and a standardized treatment protocol.
9. Is Spravato covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover Spravato because it is FDA-approved for Treatment-Resistant Depression. Coverage often depends on your diagnosis and previous medication trials. Contact your insurance provider to inquire about the details of your plan.
10. What happens if Spravato doesn’t work for me?
If Spravato does not provide the relief you’re looking for, a new treatment plan may be needed. Options may include adjusting your medication, exploring different dosages, or considering alternative therapies. The goal is always to find a path toward meaningful and lasting improvement.
Contact Us Today
If you’re searching for lasting relief from treatment-resistant depression, Spravato could be the solution you’re looking for. There’s no need to keep struggling alone. Our team is here to help you find the right treatment. For more information about Spravato, visit our page or reach out today. We’re here to help you find a happier, healthier, brighter you.