Living with depression that resists one medication after another can leave you wondering whether your brain is simply immune to feeling better. Science shows that persistent symptoms often need a different biological target—one that SPRAVATO reaches in a matter of minutes.
By exploring how SPRAVATO works, you gain knowledge and confidence to choose a therapy that aligns with your needs. Let us walk you through the key mechanisms and clinical steps that set this therapy apart from traditional antidepressants.
Most oral antidepressants boost serotonin or norepinephrine, chemicals that indirectly influence mood. SPRAVATO nasal spray works because it contains esketamine, which acts directly on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors—gatekeepers for glutamate, the brain’s most abundant messenger. By briefly blocking these receptors, esketamine causes a controlled surge of glutamate that:
Within two to four hours, you may feel your emotional weight lighten, which differs from the weeks often required for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This prompt response can be helpful when motivation and safety feel fragile.
Understanding what happens at each visit can help turn anxiety into anticipation. A standard appointment at our clinic follows several structured phases, each designed for comfort and safety.
You arrive and settle into a calming suite. To confirm that you are ready for dosing, our nurse records your blood pressure, heart rate, and current mood scale results.
Under direct supervision, you spray one device in each nostril. After two minutes, you repeat this step for the prescribed total, which is usually two or three sprays.
For about two hours, you recline, listen to soothing music, or practice mindfulness. Our staff members monitor your vital signs and gently check on your experience.
We recheck your measurements, discuss any sensations, and schedule your next visit. Because of how SPRAVATO nasal spray works, it may cause temporary dizziness, so a prearranged ride takes you home.
Your safety and satisfaction are our top priority, so we encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your SPRAVATO treatment.
During the observation period, you may notice mild dissociation, a floating feeling, or temporary blurred vision. These sensations fade within the two-hour window, and our team carefully monitors your experience.
The most meaningful changes take place afterward: glutamate sparks the growth of new neural branches in areas like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Working over repeated SPRAVATO sessions, these structural changes can lead to a steadier mood, higher energy, and renewed interest in daily activities.
SPRAVATO’s unique pathway offers practical benefits that extend beyond speed alone. Unlike pills that you swallow every morning, esketamine nasal therapy is administered only in a clinic, which helps prevent missed doses and reduces the potential for misuse.
Furthermore, SPRAVATO also works to bypass gastrointestinal metabolism. This process may help you avoid weight gain, sexual side effects, and drug interactions that sometimes make staying on medication more difficult.
Before starting treatment, we conduct a thorough evaluation to confirm that you understand how SPRAVATO therapy works and whether it fits with your medical profile and goals. You may be a strong candidate if you:
These criteria ensure your safety and help us focus clinical resources where they offer the greatest benefit.
Understanding how SPRAVATO works is essential before taking the next step in your mental health journey. If rapid relief, neural renewal, and structured support seem like the missing pieces in your depression care, our team at Cedar Park TMS is here for you. Reach out to learn whether this therapy may suit your needs. You can schedule a personalized consultation designed to help you find lasting relief.
Looking for new options to manage treatment-resistant depression? We are now providing Spravato® (esketamine) therapy after-hours.
Call us at (512) 528-9498 to learn more or schedule a consultation.
