Spravato®: The Nasal Spray That Combats Treatment-Resistant Depression

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) affects millions of people worldwide, making it one of the most challenging mental health conditions to manage. If you suffer from this condition and have tried multiple medications and therapies with little to no relief, we know how overwhelming it can be. 

Thankfully, at Holistic Behavioral and TMS Therapy, our dedicated team offers a new option called Spravato®, an FDA-approved nasal spray designed to help with TRD. Keep reading to get a full overview of how Spravato works, its benefits, and what to expect during treatment. 

What is Spravato? 

Spravato (esketamine) is a prescription nasal spray specifically developed for people suffering from treatment-resistant depression. Approved by the FDA in 2019, Spravato works differently than traditional antidepressants, which often target the brain chemicals serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Instead, Spravato affects your brain’s glutamate system, which plays a key role in mood regulation. Here’s everything you need to know. 

How it works 

Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to show effects, Spravato works rapidly by enhancing glutamate activity, which is believed to help restore connections in your brain linked to mood and emotions. 

Administered in combination 

Spravato is used alongside a conventional antidepressant — studies show that it’s most effective when combined with another medication. 

Benefits of Spravato for treatment-resistant depression 

Additionally, Spravato has been shown to provide rapid relief from TRD, offering the following benefits that set it apart from traditional treatments: 

Rapid symptom relief

Many patients experience improvement in their mood and a reduction in depressive symptoms within hours or days, making it a great option for fast relief. 

Long-term potential 

Spravato has also shown promising results for sustained relief from depression symptoms when used as part of a long-term treatment plan. 

Alternative mechanism 

Since Spravato targets your glutamate system, it offers a unique option if you haven’t responded to other antidepressants targeting serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. 

What to expect during Spravato treatment

Now, let’s consider what you can expect during this treatment so you’re prepared.  

Initial treatment sessions

During the first few weeks, you’ll likely visit our office twice a week for supervised treatment. The spray is self-administered under our medical supervision to ensure your safety. 

Monitoring period 

After each dose, you’ll remain at our facility for a least two hours for monitoring, as Spravato can cause temporary dizziness, dissociation, and increased blood pressure. 

Ongoing treatment

Over time, your sessions may decrease to once a week or less, depending on how you respond to the treatment.

Ultimately, if you’re tired of facing the many challenges of treatment-resistant depression, Spravato could be the advanced solution you’ve been looking for. With its rapid onset relief and alternative mechanism of action, it offers a new ray of hope. 

If you or a loved one struggle with TRD, don’t wait! Call or use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment today at one of our offices located in Aurora and Chicago, Illinois, and Las Vegas, Nevada.