When depression continues despite several medications, it can feel as if your options are running out. You may be tired of side effects, worried about trying yet another prescription, or afraid that nothing will ever make a real difference. At NeuroPsych Wellness Center, we understand how draining this process can be, and we offer Spravato for treatment-resistant depression in Fairfax as part of a thoughtful, evidence-based approach.
Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, a form of medication given as a nasal spray in a certified clinic. It is used alongside an oral antidepressant for adults whose depression has not improved enough with other medications. Research suggests that Spravato acts on glutamate pathways in the brain, which are different from the pathways targeted by most traditional antidepressants, offering another route to support mood and thinking.
At NeuroPsych Wellness Center, we explain how Spravato fits into your overall plan for treatment-resistant depression, including the need for regular appointments and observation time after each dose at our Fairfax office. We also review your medical history, other medications, and safety considerations so that you can decide whether this option aligns with your needs and comfort level.
Spravato for treatment-resistant depression is always given in the Fairfax office under supervision. At each visit, you check in with our team, review recent mood and side effects, and confirm that you have followed the necessary guidelines for food, drink, and transportation. You then self-administer the nasal spray under guidance, and we monitor you for a set period while the medication takes effect. Many people spend this time resting, listening to music, or talking quietly with staff.
Because Spravato can cause temporary changes in blood pressure, thinking, or perception, you remain in the clinic until it is safe to leave. You need a trusted adult to drive you home and should plan for a quieter day afterward. Throughout your esketamine therapy, we track your response over time, adjusting the schedule or dose as needed and keeping your other treatments, such as therapy or oral antidepressants, coordinated within the same practice.
Spravato is specifically designed for adults in Fairfax with treatment-resistant depression, meaning you have tried multiple antidepressants without enough relief. It may also be considered for adults with major depressive disorder who are experiencing acute suicidal thoughts, within the limits of current guidelines. During your appointments, we talk through your full history, including past medications, other mental health conditions, physical health issues, and daily responsibilities.
Our goal is to determine whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks in your situation and whether the structure of your Spravato treatment program in Fairfax is realistic for your schedule. Some people prefer Spravato because it offers a different mechanism of action; others decide that TMS, medication adjustments, or therapy are a better match. We respect your preferences and work with you to understand each option before moving forward.
If you feel as though you have exhausted standard antidepressant options, it may be time to explore a different pathway. We provide Spravato for treatment-resistant depression in Fairfax within a setting that also supports therapy, medication management, and, when appropriate, TMS. Our team is committed to honest conversations about what research shows, what to expect from each visit, and how to balance treatment with your daily life. Call today to learn more.