For individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression, finding hope can feel like an uphill battle. If traditional antidepressants haven’t worked, you’re not alone, and there may be another path forward. Spravato® treatment for depression is an FDA-approved breakthrough therapy that’s offering new hope for people who haven’t found relief through conventional methods.
At Wilshire Institute for Interventional Psychiatry, we provide in state-of-the-art mental health care, and specialize in Spravato® (esketamine). But what is it, and who is Spravato® right for? Let’s explore how Spravato® nasal spray for depression works, who it helps most, and whether it might be the best treatment for you or a loved one.
What Is Spravato®?
Spravato® (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray that’s used to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). It’s a derivative of the anesthetic ketamine, which has been shown to have rapid-acting antidepressant effects in clinical trials. In contrast to earlier antidepressants that can take weeks to be effective, Spravato® depression therapy can begin taking effect in hours or days. That is why it is often held in reserve for patients who have failed to respond to at least two other antidepressant drugs.
How Does Spravato® Work?
Spravato® works in a different way than traditional antidepressants functioning by increasing the levels of serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine. Instead, Spravato® acts on the glutamate system, enhancing brain plasticity and enabling the brain to create new connections. This action is thought to be responsible for its rapid effects and making it a most effective treatment for those with chronic, hard-to-treat depression.
Spravato® is administered under the guidance of a physician in an approved treatment center. At Wilshire Institute we offer private, comfortable rooms for you to comfortably relax while the medicine works. Patients self-administer the nasal spray and are observed for about two hours for any immediate side effects.
Who Is Spravato® Right For?
Spravato® treatment is specifically designed for adults who have one or more of the following:
1. Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
If you have already tried several antidepressants without improvement or minimal improvement, then you likely have TRD. This diagnosis is typically made when a person has failed to respond to at least two different antidepressants at adequate doses and for appropriate durations. Spravato® is FDA-approved for use in this subgroup.
2. Major Depressive Disorder with Suicidal Ideas or Behavior
Spravato® is also approved for treatment in adults suffering from severe depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior. In contrast to all other antidepressants, which generally take weeks before showing their effects, Spravato® has the potential to eradicate suicidal ideations sooner—making it a critical treatment in psychiatric crises.
3. People Seeking a Fast-Acting Solution
Because of its unique action on glutamate, Spravato® may be able to act more rapidly than traditional antidepressants. For those who require assistance immediately, that’s a potentially life-changing benefit.
What to Expect When Getting Treated with Spravato®
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Initial Assessment
Your provider will review your medical and mental health history to determine eligibility.
Treatment Sessions
You’ll come to the clinic for regular sessions, typically twice a week for the first month, then tapering over time. You’ll self-administer the spray under supervision and stay for monitoring.
Monitoring and Support
You’ll be monitored for a minimum of two hours following each session. Relaxation or feeling somewhat dissociated is what most patients experience. Someone will take you home afterward as you are not able to drive until the following day.
Ongoing Care
Spravato® is most effective when paired with an oral antidepressant and ongoing therapy. Your doctor will work closely with you to track progress and make changes to the treatment regimen as needed.
Benefits of Spravato® Depression Treatment
- Rapid relief – Symptoms can show improvement within days
- Clinically proven – FDA-approved with strong supporting research
- Helping in crisis – Shown to eradicate suicidal ideation within a short time frame
- Safe and regulated – Delivered in a controlled medical setting
- Many patients report experiencing a “mental reset” which enables them to feel more positive and active once again in their lives.
Finding the Right Treatment Center
All clinics are not eligible to administer Spravato®. Treatment must be administered by a REMS-certified physician. At Wilshire Institute for Interventional Psychiatry, we’re proud to be among the certified facilities to offer this new treatment in a supportive, therapeutic environment.
Our team works closely with patients to ensure personalized care every step of the way. We’re committed to helping individuals reclaim their lives from depression with compassion, expertise, and innovation.
Is Spravato® Right for You?
If you or someone you love is battling depression and nothing seems to work, it might be time to consider Spravato®. It’s not the first line of defense, but for treatment-resistant depression or immediate mental health treatment, it can be a lifesaver. The first step is a consultation with your provider. Visit https://wilshireinstitute.com/spravato/ for more information on Spravato® depression treatment. You can also call or text us at (310) 598-6600. Help may be closer than you think.
Depression is overwhelming—but the tide is changing. New answers are remapping the face of mental health care. Spravato® nasal spray for depression is one of the most promising breakthroughs in recent decades. Whether you’ve ever felt stuck, hopeless, or unheard along the way, Spravato® may offer a new beginning.
