Living with severe depression can feel like carrying a weight that never lifts, especially when traditional treatments haven’t brought the relief you hoped for. In recent years, a new option has emerged for individuals facing treatment-resistant depression: Spravato ketamine.
Spravato is changing the conversation around mental health care, offering a new pathway to relief for those who haven’t responded to standard antidepressants. But what is it, and how is it helping people today?
What Is Spravato?
Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, a medication derived from ketamine. Unlike traditional antidepressants that work on serotonin or norepinephrine, Spravato targets the glutamate system—a different pathway in the brain involved in mood regulation and neural growth.
Administered as a nasal spray in a certified clinic, Spravato is FDA-approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or actions. It’s not a replacement for oral antidepressants but is used in combination with them under close medical supervision.
How Spravato Works Differently
Most antidepressants take several weeks to show results. Spravato, by contrast, can begin to relieve symptoms much sooner. The medication promotes synaptic growth and increased connectivity between brain cells, factors that are often reduced in people with depression.
For individuals who have tried multiple medications and therapies without improvement, this rapid-acting approach can be life-changing. While responses vary, many patients report feeling emotionally lighter or more stable within a few treatments.
What to Expect During Treatment
At Renew Ketamine Infusion, Spravato treatments are provided in a controlled, supportive environment. The process is straightforward but carefully monitored to ensure safety and comfort:
Check-in and assessment: Before treatment, a healthcare professional will review your health, symptoms, and readiness.
Self-administration: You will be guided to self-administer the nasal spray under observation.
Observation period: After administration, you’ll remain in the clinic for about two hours for monitoring. The setting is designed to be quiet and calm, allowing for rest and reflection.
Discharge: Once cleared by the care team, you’ll be released into the care of a friend or family member, as driving post-treatment is not allowed.
Who Spravato Is For
Spravato is specifically designed for individuals diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, defined as depression that has not responded to at least two different antidepressant medications. It is also used in some cases of major depression with active suicidal ideation, offering support during critical periods of mental distress.
It is not a fit for everyone. Your provider will assess your medical history, current medications, and overall mental health to determine if Spravato is an appropriate option for you.
Potential Benefits People Are Experiencing
Many people who begin Spravato treatment after years of struggling with depression describe it as a turning point. Reported benefits include:
Faster symptom relief compared to oral antidepressants
Improved mood stability
Greater clarity and motivation
A reduction in suicidal thoughts
Better engagement in therapy or life activities
While results vary from person to person, the goal of treatment is not just to reduce symptoms, but to improve daily functioning and overall quality of life.
Possible Side Effects and Considerations
As with any medical treatment, Spravato does come with possible side effects. The most commonly reported include:
Dizziness
Nausea
Dissociation or dream-like states
Increased blood pressure
Fatigue
These effects are typically short-lived and monitored closely during and after each session. Most people find the side effects manageable, especially compared to the severity of untreated depression.
The Importance of Supervised Care
Because Spravato ketamine is a controlled substance with potential for misuse, it must be administered in a certified treatment setting. Clinics like Renew Ketamine Infusion are equipped to provide the medical oversight and personalized care necessary to ensure the therapy is safe and effective.
The staff not only monitors physical responses during treatment but also checks in regularly to track emotional progress and help adjust treatment plans over time.
A Long-Term Support Strategy
Spravato is not a one-time solution. It’s part of a longer-term mental health strategy that may include:
Continued oral antidepressants
Psychotherapy or counseling
Lifestyle changes and self-care
Ongoing check-ins with mental health professionals
Each person’s treatment plan is tailored to their needs. With consistency and support, many patients are able to regain balance and start participating more fully in their lives.
Final Thoughts
Severe depression is complex, and sometimes, traditional medications simply aren’t enough. Spravato ketamine offers a new route for those feeling stuck, unheard, or exhausted by years of trial-and-error treatment.
With compassionate care and medical supervision, clinics like Renew Ketamine Infusion are helping people navigate this treatment with hope and clarity. For those facing the realities of treatment-resistant depression, Spravato may offer the light at the end of a long tunnel.
