If you are weighing depression care options, the differences between TMS therapy and Spravato can shape how quickly you can start, what your visits are like, and how each treatment affects your daily routine. You might want a medication-free approach, you might prefer a medication-based option, or you might want to decide between the two after other treatments did not help.
At Cedar Park TMS, we help you compare esketamine therapy, TMS, and other options, and coordinate with your existing providers. Our goal is to help you choose an approach that fits your symptoms, schedule, and comfort level.
TMS therapy uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted brain circuits that regulate mood. You are awake and seated, and there is no anesthesia. Most people describe the sensation as a tapping on the scalp, and unlike Spravato treatments, many return to normal activities right after a TMS session.
Your TMS treatment typically occurs on a weekday schedule over several weeks, and we track your progress with standardized symptom scales and real-life goals. If you are sensitive to medication side effects, TMS therapy can be an appealing option because it is not a systemic medication.
Spravato is an esketamine nasal spray administered in a certified clinical setting under supervision. You self-administer the Spravato nasal spray with staff guidance and then remain on site for monitoring for at least two hours, which differs from the TMS therapy routine. Because it can affect alertness, you will need someone to drive you home after Spravato visits.
Spravato is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression in adults. It is also FDA-approved for use alongside an oral antidepressant for depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder who have acute suicidal ideation or behavior. At Cedar Park TMS, our clinician will confirm which indication applies to you and how it fits with your overall plan.
Choosing between TMS and Spravato usually depends on your prior treatment history, your medical profile, and your ability to commit to treatment.
Some people prefer to start with TMS when they want a non-drug approach, while others prefer Spravato when they are seeking a medication-based option delivered in a controlled clinical setting. Many patients also consider sequencing, meaning trying one approach first and reassessing before switching.
A clinician may consider these factors when discussing next steps:
These are screening and planning considerations, not guarantees of eligibility or outcomes. We will review your history carefully and explain why an option does or does not fit.
If you want to better understand the differences between TMS therapy and Spravato, contact Cedar Park TMS for help planning your next step based on your history and priorities. We will review candidacy, discuss what each visit schedule looks like, and coordinate with your current care providers. When you are ready, we will help you start a plan that feels clear, supported, and doable.
