How Spravato® Differs From Traditional Antidepressants

Treatment-resistant depression impacts nearly 3 million US adults. Conventional antidepressants like serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) remain the cornerstone for treating depression but can take up to 8 weeks before they start working. What’s more, patients with treatment-resistant depression fail to experience adequate symptom relief from oral antidepressants alone. 

If you’ve tried more than one antidepressant without adequate symptom relief, Spravato® is an option worth considering. This groundbreaking medication contains esketamine, works differently than traditional antidepressants, and is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression in combination with oral antidepressants. 

Horizons Wellness Family Health NP PLLC is one of a limited number of certified treatment centers for Spravato. Keep reading to learn how this unique medication relieves hard-to-treat depression. 

Quickly relieves symptoms of depression

For anyone living with symptoms of depression, struggling to cope for several weeks before any form of relief emerges is distressing. Spravato is unique in that it works quickly. Patients who respond well start feeling better in hours or days instead of weeks. 

A rapid improvement in symptoms is crucial when you’re struggling with feelings of hopelessness. Because depression has such a significant impact on all areas of life, including work, social, and family life, feeling better means getting back to engaging in and enjoying your life.

Works in a novel way

Traditional antidepressants typically work by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Spravato, however, targets the glutamate system. 

As an NMDA receptor antagonist, Spravato enhances glutamate signaling, which plays a crucial role in mood regulation and nerve cell activation. Glutamate receptor stimulation leads to beneficial changes in the brain circuits linked with mood and thought processing — rewiring the brain. 

Administration method

Spravato is a nasal spray administered at a certified clinic to allow your health care provider to monitor you. Delivering Spravato via nasal passages allows quick absorption into the bloodstream, contributing to its rapid onset of action. 

Effective for treatment-resistant depression

Spravato is specifically for treatment-resistant depression, providing an adjunct option for patients who have experienced only partial relief with oral antidepressants alone. Spravato’s alternative pathway offers hope for those struggling with persistent symptoms of depression.

Combined therapy approach

Spravato is prescribed in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. This combined approach leverages the strengths of both medications, providing an enhanced option for hard-to-treat depression.

Monitoring and support

Patients receive Spravato in a controlled environment, ensuring immediate assistance if needed. This level of supervision and support is different from traditional antidepressant treatments, where patients typically manage their medications independently at home. The structured approach with Spravato ensures safety and provides additional reassurance.

Overcoming hard-to-treat depression

If you or someone you know is struggling with treatment-resistant depression, consider exploring Spravato as a treatment option. Contact our clinic today to learn more about how this innovative medication can help you start feeling better and like yourself again.