If you’ve been struggling with depression that does not seem to lift, even after trying different medications, Spravato may be a good option for you. It works differently from traditional antidepressants. But what exactly is Spravato, and what can you expect if you start treatment? Our psychiatrists can help you understand your treatment options.
Spravato is a prescription nasal spray made for adults with treatment-resistant depression. That means you have already tried at least two antidepressants at the right dose and for the right amount of time, but they did not bring the relief you needed. Living with this kind of depression can feel frustrating, exhausting, and discouraging—which is why Spravato feels like a new option for many people.
Antidepressants typically work on serotonin or norepinephrine to treat depression symptoms. Spravato is different. It targets another chemical messenger called glutamate. By acting on glutamate, Spravato helps reset certain brain pathways that are linked to mood and emotional balance. This is why some people notice a lift in their symptoms within hours or days, instead of waiting weeks like with traditional medications.
Spravato is not something you take at home on your own. Because it is a controlled substance and can cause side effects—like dizziness, sleepiness, or feeling detached from your surroundings—it is only given in a certified clinic.
During a treatment session, you will get settled in a comfortable spot and then use the nasal spray yourself. After that, you stay at the clinic for about two hours so our providers can monitor you and make sure you are feeling okay before you leave.
One of the biggest differences between Spravato and traditional antidepressants is how quickly it can work. With most medications, you often have to wait four to six weeks to see if they are helping. Spravato, by targeting glutamate, can bring relief in a matter of hours or days for some people.
Another key difference is that Spravato is given in a clinic under medical supervision. Instead of taking a pill at home every day, you come in for scheduled treatments. This not only ensures safety but also means you have ongoing support from your provider as you move through treatment.
Spravato also fits into your care plan in a more flexible way. Some people continue treatments long-term, while others use Spravato for a few months until they feel more stable. Your provider will help tailor the schedule to what works best for you.
Your provider will work with you every step of the way to create a treatment plan that fits your needs. If Spravato does not feel right for you, you and your provider can decide to stop. Some people use it for only a few months, while others find longer-term treatment works best. The main goal is to support your mental health in a way that feels sustainable.
If you want to learn more about whether Spravato could help with your depression, reach out to us. We will walk you through what to expect, answer your questions, and help you figure out if this treatment might be the right next step for you.