SPRAVATO®
SPRAVATO®, also known by its generic name esketamine, is an FDA-approved prescription nasal spray used in combination with an oral antidepressant to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). It offers a different approach for individuals who have not experienced adequate improvement after trying multiple antidepressant medications. Unlike traditional antidepressants that primarily affect serotonin and may take several weeks to become effective, SPRAVATO® works differently by targeting glutamate pathways in the brain, which play an important role in mood regulation and communication between nerve cells. This innovative treatment has provided new hope for many patients seeking advanced depression treatment options when conventional therapies have not been successful.
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At Mental Ease Psychiatry, we provide SPRAVATO® treatment in a safe, comfortable, and certified clinical setting under the supervision of experienced psychiatric providers. Every patient begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine whether SPRAVATO® is the right treatment option. Throughout your treatment journey, our team closely monitors your progress and develops a personalized care plan focused on improving your mental health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
Why Choose SPRAVATO®?
Depression affects every individual differently, which is why treatment should be personalized. For adults living with treatment-resistant depression, SPRAVATO® offers an innovative treatment option that works differently from traditional antidepressants. Many patients choose SPRAVATO® because it is designed for those who have not found sufficient relief from previous medications and are looking for a new path toward recovery. When combined with ongoing psychiatric care, medication management, and regular follow-up appointments, SPRAVATO® can become an important part of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan.
How Spravato Works
SPRAVATO® (esketamine) works differently from traditional antidepressants by targeting the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are part of the brain's glutamate system. Glutamate is the brain's most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter and plays a critical role in mood regulation, learning, memory, and communication between nerve cells. In individuals with depression, disruptions in these neural pathways may contribute to persistent depressive symptoms and reduced brain connectivity.
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By modulating glutamate signaling, SPRAVATO® helps promote the restoration and strengthening of neural connections that may be affected by depression. This unique mechanism of action supports healthier communication between brain cells and may improve symptoms in adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Unlike selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which primarily increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels, SPRAVATO® offers an alternative treatment approach for patients who have not experienced adequate symptom relief with conventional antidepressant medications. When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under medical supervision, SPRAVATO® may help improve emotional well-being, daily functioning, and overall quality of life
Who Can Benefit
SPRAVATO® is approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who have not experienced adequate improvement after trying at least two different antidepressant medications during their current depressive episode. It may also be prescribed, in combination with an oral antidepressant, for certain adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors when clinically appropriate.
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Before starting treatment, every patient undergoes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine whether SPRAVATO® is the right treatment option. Your provider will review your symptoms, medical history, previous antidepressant treatments, current medications, and overall health to develop a personalized care plan tailored to your individual needs.
Because SPRAVATO® may cause temporary side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, dissociation (a feeling of being disconnected from yourself or your surroundings), or increased blood pressure, it is administered only in a certified healthcare setting under the supervision of trained medical professionals. Patients are monitored for at least two hours after each treatment session to ensure their safety and assess their response to treatment before returning home.
Treatment Process
SPRAVATO® treatment is provided only in a certified healthcare setting under the supervision of trained medical professionals to ensure patient safety and proper monitoring. Before beginning treatment, patients undergo a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine whether SPRAVATO® is an appropriate option based on their diagnosis, medical history, and previous response to antidepressant medications.
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During each treatment session, patients self-administer the SPRAVATO® nasal spray under the guidance of a healthcare provider. After administration, patients remain in the clinic for at least two hours so the clinical team can monitor for temporary side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, dissociation (a feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one's surroundings), or temporary increases in blood pressure. This observation period allows healthcare professionals to assess your response to treatment and provide immediate care if needed.
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Treatment typically begins with twice-weekly sessions during the first month, followed by a maintenance schedule that may be reduced to once weekly or once every two weeks, depending on your individual response, symptom improvement, and your provider's clinical assessment. Throughout your treatment journey, regular follow-up appointments help monitor your progress, evaluate the effectiveness of therapy, and adjust your personalized treatment plan to support your long-term mental health and recovery.
Combining Spravato with Therapy
SPRAVATO® is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan. Because it is prescribed alongside an oral antidepressant, many patients also benefit from ongoing psychotherapy and regular medication management. While SPRAVATO® helps address the biological changes in the brain associated with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), psychotherapy focuses on the emotional, behavioral, and psychological factors that contribute to depression. Together, these treatments provide a more complete approach to recovery.
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During therapy, patients can develop healthy coping strategies, improve emotional resilience, manage stress, and address negative thought patterns that may contribute to depressive symptoms. Regular follow-up appointments with your psychiatric provider allow your treatment plan to be monitored and adjusted based on your progress, ensuring your care continues to meet your individual needs. By combining SPRAVATO®, oral antidepressant therapy, and psychotherapy, patients receive personalized, evidence-based care that supports long-term symptom management, improved daily functioning, and overall mental wellness.