Depression is not a single, uniform experience. For some people, it lifts with time and the right medication. For others, it persists through multiple treatment attempts, leaving them exhausted and uncertain about what comes next. If you have tried two or more antidepressants without meaningful relief,
SPRAVATO® may offer a path worth exploring.
At NeuroPsych Wellness Center, PC, we work with patients who are ready to consider new options for treatment-resistant depression. We go over what you can expect from your treatment session and what the benefits of SPRAVATO® for treating depression in Fairfax could be.
Understanding the Science Behind Esketamine Therapy
SPRAVATO® is an
FDA-approved nasal spray administered in a certified healthcare setting. Most antidepressants work by targeting serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine systems. SPRAVATO® acts on NMDA receptors, which play a role in mood regulation and synaptic connectivity. Because it works differently, it may be effective for patients who have not responded to conventional medications.
For those Fairfax patients who are managing treatment-resistant depression, this alternative mechanism is a meaningful clinical consideration.
What Does the SPRAVATO® Treatment Process Look Like?
SPRAVATO® is not a take-home medication. Each esketamine session takes place in our office under medical supervision. You self-administer the nasal spray, then remain in our care for approximately two hours while we monitor you for any side effects, which can include dizziness or dissociation shortly after administration.
Sessions are typically scheduled twice per week during the initial treatment phase, then gradually reduced over time based on your response and your care team’s recommendations.
The Benefits of Esketamine Therapy
SPRAVATO® offers several clinically meaningful advantages for patients in Fairfax who have not found relief from depression through traditional antidepressants. Some of the most notable benefits include:
Rapid Onset
Unlike most oral antidepressants, which can take four to six weeks to produce noticeable effects, some patients report symptom improvement within the first few sessions
Different Mechanism
Because esketamine targets NMDA receptors rather than serotonin or dopamine pathways, it may be effective for patients who have not responded to multiple conventional medications
FDA-Approved
SPRAVATO® is the first FDA-approved nasal spray specifically indicated for treatment-resistant depression in adults.
Supervised Administration
Every session takes place in our office under medical supervision, meaning you are never managing a complex treatment alone.
Insurance Coverage
SPRAVATO® is covered by many major insurance plans when medical necessity criteria are met, making it more accessible than patients often expect.
Who May Be a Candidate for SPRAVATO®?
Nasal esketamine spray is FDA-approved for adults 18 and older who have not found adequate relief from at least two oral antidepressants.
At NeuroPsych Wellness Center, PC in Fairfax, we work with patients to determine whether esketamine could benefit their depression symptoms, given their history, current medications, and overall treatment goals. It is used alongside an oral antidepressant rather than as a standalone therapy, so it fits within a broader, individualized care plan.
Connect With NeuroPsych Wellness Center, PC About SPRAVATO® Treatment
If you are living with treatment-resistant depression and want to learn more about esketamine therapy, we encourage you to reach out to our team. NeuroPsych Wellness Center, PC takes a holistic, individualized approach to mental health, and we are here to help you figure out whether the benefits of SPRAVATO® for treating depression in Fairfax make sense for your situation.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
