What Does SPRAVATO Do?

If you are living with depression, finding a treatment that works can be difficult. Traditional treatments can cause side effects, be ineffective, or require trying different medications before finding one that works. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression and seeking quick and lasting improvement in mood, you may be a good candidate for SPRAVATO. This advanced mental health treatment works differently from medication, making it particularly effective for those who have not had success with antidepressants.

What does SPRAVATO do? At Arkansas Psychiatric Clinic, we want you to feel comfortable and confident in the treatment you receive, and this begins with feeling informed. Let us explain how this innovative treatment works to improve your symptoms of depression.

What Is SPRAVATO?

SPRAVATO is an advanced mental health treatment that is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder. If you are wondering what SPRAVATO does, it is specifically designed for those who have not found relief from other treatments, such as antidepressants. SPRAVATO is a nasal spray containing esketamine, a powerful compound that is clinically proven to provide rapid relief from symptoms of depression. This also makes it a good choice for those experiencing suicidal ideation.

Clinical data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for individuals with depression to achieve emotional balance, reduce feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and improve overall quality of life. Studies show that 88 percent of patients who use SPRAVATO report significant symptom relief within just 14 hours of their first session. For those able to tolerate antidepressants, combining SPRAVATO with an oral medication can enhance results.

How Does it Work?

SPRAVATO works by acting on glutamate receptors in the brain, which balance chemicals that influence mood, emotional regulation, and cognition. It also boosts neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to form and repair connections that may be weaker in those who have been experiencing depressive symptoms for a long time.

This esketamine-based medication is best administered in a phase-based dosing schedule. While we create a personalized regimen for everyone, a typical treatment timeline includes sessions at our office twice per week for four weeks, then once weekly for an additional four weeks, then may be reduced to once every two weeks for ongoing maintenance.

This approach maximizes its rapid antidepressant effects, ensures consistency, and manages any side effects in a controlled environment. Each session will last about two hours, during which one of our qualified team members will carefully monitor your mental and physical health.

Are You a Candidate?

SPRAVATO has undergone extensive testing to determine its safety and efficacy for most individuals. As with any medical treatment, it may not be right for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, substance abuse, or a history of aneurysms, may not be ideal candidates for treatment.

The best way to decide if you are a candidate for SPRAVATO is to schedule an initial consultation at our office to find out how it could work for you. Here, we will ask you questions about your medical and psychiatric history and current mental health goals. Once we determine that this procedure is safe for you, we can create a customized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

Contact Us Today To Learn More About What SPRAVATO Does

So, what does SPRAVATO do? SPRAVATO is an empowering way to take control of your mental health and regain a sense of emotional balance. If antidepressants have not relieved your symptoms, SPRAVATO may be right for you.