Trying one antidepressant after another can be exhausting. You wait weeks for each medication, only to feel the same or deal with side effects that make life harder.
When standard treatments fail to bring real relief, it is easy to wonder if anything will help.
Spravato treatment offers another option for people who have not had success with standard antidepressants.
This blog article explains how it differs from traditional antidepressants and why it may be an option worth considering when other treatments have not worked.
What Is Spravato?
Spravato is a prescription nasal spray that contains esketamine.
The Food and Drug Administration approves it for adults with treatment-resistant depression. This means you have tried at least two antidepressants from different classes, but your symptoms did not improve enough.
Spravato treatment is always paired with an oral antidepressant. Each dose is given in a certified medical setting.
You are monitored before, during, and after the session to support your comfort and safety. As a result, the experience is more structured than what you might expect with standard medications.
Spravato affects a different receptor system in the brain than standard antidepressants. While most traditional medications focus on serotonin or related neurotransmitters, Spravato targets the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors.
These receptors play a crucial role in regulating mood, processing emotions, and forming new brain connections.
Spravato is not suitable for everyone. People with a history of psychosis or certain medical conditions may not be candidates.
Your clinician will review your complete medical history to determine if this treatment is suitable for you.
Key Differences Between the Spravato Treatment and Traditional Antidepressants
Traditional antidepressants, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, work by affecting serotonin or other neurotransmitters.
These medications can be effective, but they often take several weeks to show progress. Some patients respond well, while others continue to struggle with symptoms or side effects.
Spravato treatment is different in several important ways:
- Method of delivery: Standard antidepressants are taken at home each day. Spravato is given through a nasal spray in a clinical setting.
You don’t take it on your own. This structure allows your provider to monitor your blood pressure, comfort, and overall response to the dose.
- Appointment-based care: Spravato requires scheduled sessions. Early treatment usually involves two appointments each week.
After this period, appointments may become less frequent based on your progress. This approach offers consistent support and oversight.
- Different treatment path: Traditional antidepressants can help many people, but they may not be enough for those with treatment-resistant depression.
Spravato is designed for individuals who have already tried other medications without meaningful results. It is considered after standard options rather than before them.
- Comprehensive monitoring: Because sessions take place in the clinic, your provider can track your response over time, adjust your plan, and address concerns quickly.
This is especially helpful if you have had unpredictable responses to medications in the past.
Spravato Treatment and Other Evidence-Based Options in Orland Park and Willowbrook, IL
Finding the right treatment should not feel out of reach. At Premier Psychiatry, we offer a full range of options, from commonly used SSRIs to advanced treatments such as Spravato.
Every recommendation is based on evidence, clinical experience, and a clear understanding of your needs.
Our family-run clinic offers a supportive environment, provides short wait times, and offers convenient telehealth visits, allowing you to access care without added stress.
If you are ready to take the next step, help is available. Schedule a telehealth appointment today to start building a plan that supports healthier sleep, a more stable mood, and improved overall well-being.