If you’ve been experiencing major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms and haven’t found relief through traditional treatments, you’re not alone. It’s common for people with MDD to feel frustrated when medications or therapies don’t seem to work. Fortunately, new and innovative options, like Spravato® nasal spray, may provide the relief you’re looking for.
Spravato® treatment has gained attention for its unique approach to treating depression, particularly for those whose depressive symptoms haven’t improved with other treatments. Here’s what you need to know about this treatment option, how it works, and what you can expect from the treatment process.
What is Spravato® used for?
Spravato® is the brand name for esketamine, a prescription nasal spray developed specifically for adults with treatment-resistant depression or severe symptoms of major depressive disorder, including suicidal thoughts. This treatment has been designed for people who haven’t found relief through other treatments. It’s a groundbreaking treatment because it works differently from traditional antidepressants.
While most antidepressants target serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, Spravato® works on the brain’s glutamate system. This helps form new connections in brain pathways that regulate mood, potentially easing depressive symptoms more quickly than oral antidepressants.
It’s important to note that Spravato® is not a replacement for existing antidepressants. It’s used alongside an oral antidepressant and is provided under the supervision of a healthcare provider to offer safety throughout the process.
How does Spravato® work?
Unlike many oral antidepressants, which can take weeks to show results, Spravato® is known for its faster-acting effects. Its active ingredient, esketamine, is related to ketamine and works by restoring balance in brain chemicals that affect mood and emotion.
Spravato® helps treat depression by improving activity in underactive areas of the brain, which may provide relief within hours or days for some clients. The nasal spray allows the medication to be absorbed quickly through the bloodstream, making it a valuable option for people needing faster mood and function improvement.
Please take a look at the full prescribing information.
How effective is Spravato® for treatment-resistant depression?
Spravato® has shown promising results for adults living with treatment-resistant depression who haven’t found relief from traditional medications. When used alongside an oral antidepressant and guided by a qualified healthcare provider, many clients experience noticeable improvements in depressive symptoms and overall mood.1
Research and real-world results1 show that Spravato® can help:
- Relieve major depressive disorder symptoms more quickly than standard antidepressants
- Improve day-to-day functioning and motivation
- Reduce the intensity and duration of depressive episodes
- Support ongoing recovery through continued monitoring and care
While every person’s experience is unique, many clients report positive changes within the first few weeks of treatment. With consistent follow-up and supportive therapy, Spravato® can become an important part of a personalized plan to treat depression and restore hope.
Who is Spravato® for?
Spravato® is specifically approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression who have tried at least two other oral antidepressants without significant relief. It may also be an option for those experiencing major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Spravato® may be right for you if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and have not improved with other antidepressants.
- You have treatment-resistant depression that continues despite therapy or medication.
- You experience severe or persistent depressive symptoms that impact daily life.
- You are working closely with a qualified healthcare provider who determines Spravato® may benefit you.
However, not everyone is a candidate for Spravato®. People with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, or a history of substance misuse, may need alternative options. Your provider will review your mental health history and medical background carefully before recommending treatment.
What to expect during Spravato® treatment
Spravato® treatment is always provided in a supportive clinical environment under the supervision of trained professionals. Here’s what each step of the process involves:
Initial evaluation and screening
Before starting treatment, you’ll meet with a qualified healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and screening. This step helps determine whether Spravato® for depression is the right fit for your needs and mental health goals.
An educational session on the use of Spravato®
Our team of mental health professionals will provide an educational session so you know exactly what to expect from the treatment process. You’ll learn how Spravato® works, what the administration looks like, and how to prepare for your first session.
Administration of the medication
The medication is self-administered in our office under the guidance of a licensed healthcare professional. The process is simple and takes only a few minutes, but our team will ensure you’re comfortable and supported throughout.
Regular monitoring
After each session, you’ll stay in the clinic for a brief observation period so our team can monitor for side effects such as increased blood pressure, dizziness, or fatigue. Your healthcare provider will also schedule regular visits to track your progress and adjust your care plan as needed.
Ongoing therapeutic support
Spravato® treatment works best when paired with continued therapy. Our providers will help you create an individualized plan to strengthen coping skills, manage depression symptoms, and support lasting emotional wellness.
Common side effects of Spravato® to consider
Like any medication, Spravato® comes with potential side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but your care team will review them with you before treatment.
Common short-term side effects include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Feeling “spaced out” or detached (temporary dissociation)
- Increased blood pressure that usually resolves within a few hours
In rare cases, people may experience more serious reactions such as sudden severe headache, respiratory depression, or worsening suicidal ideation. This is why every Spravato® session takes place under the observation of licensed healthcare professionals who can respond immediately if needed.
Your provider will discuss all potential side effects of Spravato® before treatment and monitor your symptoms closely throughout the process to keep you safe and supported.
Spravato® is changing lives
For many adults who have tried multiple antidepressants without success, Spravato® offers new hope for treating depression. Its innovative mechanism helps restore balance to the brain, improving mood and function for people living with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder.
While Spravato® is not a cure, it can be a meaningful step toward recovery. Many clients describe feeling more engaged in daily life, less weighed down by depressive symptoms, and better able to reconnect with the things that matter most.
Find relief from depression with Spravato® at LightHeart Mental Health
If you’ve been struggling to find relief from depression, Spravato® nasal spray could be a new path forward. The compassionate team at LightHeart Mental Health will guide you through the evaluation process and determine whether this treatment may suit you. Call us today at 425.800.5688 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.
LightHeart Mental Health is dedicated to supporting your mental health. If you are feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for immediate support by contacting your local emergency services, visiting your local emergency room, or calling/texting the National Crisis Hotline at 988.
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