Have you tried therapy and meds with limited success? You may have treatment-resistant depression, or TRD. TRD is a type of major depressive disorder (MDD), a debilitating mental illness. If you have been diagnosed with either of these conditions, you may be a candidate for SPRAVATO® depression treatment.
Also known as esketamine, SPRAVATO® is FDA-approved for the treatment of TRD and MDD with acute suicidal ideation or behavior. NeuroHealth Treatment Centers is proud to offer depression therapy with SPRAVATO® as part of our transformative mental health services.
Looking for SPRAVATO® depression treatment in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida? Call NeuroHealth Treatment Centers at 954-417-7575 today for a FREE consultation.
What Is SPRAVATO®?
SPRAVATO® represents a major advancement for patients with treatment-resistant depression. The active ingredient (esketamine) is a refined form of ketamine, an anesthetic and dissociative drug with a long history of therapeutic use. Unlike oral antidepressants, SPRAVATO® is administered as a nasal spray in a clinical setting.
It was originally approved by the FDA in 2019 for adults with treatment-resistant depression. As of 2025, the approval was expanded to include monotherapy for patients with TRD. This means SPRAVATO® can be prescribed on its own or in conjunction with an antidepressant medication.
SPRAVATO® is also FDA-approved for adults with major depressive disorder exhibiting acute suicidality. Treatment for MDD must be performed in conjunction with an antidepressant.
How Does SPRAVATO® Help with Depression?
The esketamine in SPRAVATO® acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist. Modulation of the brain’s NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors can help relieve the symptoms of major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression.
Here are some key facts about the medication and how it can help with depressive disorders:
- NMDA receptors respond to the neurotransmitter glutamate, a chemical inside the brain that plays an important role in mood and emotional regulation.
- According to research in Frontiers in Psychiatry, individuals with depression often experience disruptions in glutamate signaling and the function of NMDA receptors.
- SPRAVATO® temporarily blocks NMDA receptor activity, helping to rebalance glutamate communication and improve mood.
Treatment with SPRAVATO® has also been associated with changes that support neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to form new connections and pathways. Research published in the journal of Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine suggests that increased neuroplasticity can help “rewire” the brain and reduce depression symptoms.
What Is the Success Rate of SPRAVATO® for Depression?
The success rate of SPRAVATO® depression treatment varies across studies and patient populations. Research to date has focused on two types of depressive disorders:
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with TRD who received SPRAVATO® were more than 1.5 times as likely to experience remission after 8 weeks of treatment compared to those who received oral antidepressant medication alone.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Research published in BMC Psychiatry compared the effect of esketamine treatment versus a placebo on patients who had MDD with acute suicidality. Patients who received esketamine had a “significantly shorter” time to remission compared to the placebo group. They also had much higher rates of remission by day 25.
Is SPRAVATO® Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for SPRAVATO® depression treatment if you meet the following criteria:
- 18 years of age or older
- Diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression
- You have tried at least two antidepressant medications with little to no effect
- Diagnosis of major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior (while taking one or more antidepressants)
- No history of uncontrolled blood pressure (hypertension), bleeding disorders, vascular issues, or aneurysms
Before prescribing SPRAVATO®, your provider will perform a complete psychiatric evaluation and review of your medical history. This is essential for ensuring that SPRAVATO® is safe for you and may help with your depression symptoms.
How Is SPRAVATO® Depression Treatment Administered?
SPRAVATO® is administered as a nasal spray medication. The number of sprays you need depends on the prescribed dosage. You will be instructed how to administer the spray, allowing 5 minutes in between.
Given its fast action and potent effects, treatment must be performed at a certified treatment center. You will be closely monitored by clinical staff for approximately two hours to ensure that you tolerate the medication well and there are no adverse effects.
Are There Any Side Effects?
You may experience a burning sensation in the nose or throat when administering the spray. This is temporary and may be prevented with hands-on assistance from the clinician.
Other side effects associated with SPRAVATO® are typically mild and short-lived, resolving within the two hours you are resting comfortably after treatment. You may experience:
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Numbness or tingling in the face, hands, and feet
- Anxiety
- Temporary feelings of intoxication and dissociation
SPRAVATO® can cause a transient increase in blood pressure. Your blood pressure will be checked before treatment and carefully monitored during the recovery period.
You will not be able to drive after taking SPRAVATO®, so it is important to arrange for a ride home. Most patients are able to return to work and normal activities the day after treatment.
Pros & Cons of SPRAVATO® Depression Treatment
It is important to make an informed decision when considering any kind of medication. People with depression often try numerous medications without success. The thought of trying something new may be exciting, but it can also be daunting.
Below is a quick guide to the advantages and possible drawbacks of SPRAVATO® for depression treatment:
Pros
- Rapid symptom relief.
- A clinical study in JAMA Psychiatry found that patients with TRD experienced significant improvement by day 2 after esketamine monotherapy.
- Research in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology noted a rapid reduction in depression scores within 24 hours among patients with MDD + active suicidal ideation with intent.
- Professional supervision, which increases safety and minimizes the risk of misuse.
- Flexibility; SPRAVATO® may be administered on its own or alongside antidepressants for treatment-resistant depression.
Cons
- Some patients may struggle with side effects and/or the downtime requirements after treatment.
- FDA approval is limited to certain types of depression.
- The two-hour time commitment for each appointment may be difficult for some patients to fit in their schedule.
Not all insurance plans cover SPRAVATO®. Ask your provider about insurance and pricing.
Struggling with Depression? Find Out If SPRAVATO® Is Right for You
At NeuroHealth Treatment Centers, we are passionate about helping patients explore innovative options for improving mental health. SPRAVATO® may be an option if you struggle with treatment-resistant depression or have major depressive disorder and are in the midst of a crisis.
During your FREE consultation, our team will discuss the symptoms you are experiencing and evaluate you for SPRAVATO® depression treatment. We offer a host of therapeutic options for depression and other mental health conditions, all centered on individualized care.
Contact NeuroHealth Treatment Centers today to explore transformative treatments for depression. Our clinic in Fort Lauderdale serves patients throughout South Florida.
