Who Is a Good Candidate for SPRAVATO® Therapy?

Resilience Integrative Wellness
February 18, 2025

Overcoming depression can be a challenging journey—especially for those who have tried multiple medications without finding relief.
If this sounds familiar, SPRAVATO® treatment may offer new hope. In fact, this innovative, FDA-approved treatment has helped many patients find lasting relief when traditional approaches fell short.
But what is SPRAVATO® treatment, and, more specifically, is right for you? We’ll explore that and more here.
Understanding SPRAVATO® Therapy
What It Is
SPRAVATO® is a form of esketamine, which is made from ketamine, a hallucinogenic anesthetic that's been widely used by medical professionals since the 1970s.
Beyond anesthetic use, extensive research also shows SPRAVATO® has fast-acting antidepressant properties. Since receiving FDA approval in 2019, SPRAVATO® has helped thousands of patients regain control over treatment-resistant depression.
How It Works
SPRAVATO® therapy works by targeting glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. This is a key differentiating factor, as traditional antidepressants typically target other neurotransmitters like serotonin.
What also makes SPRAVATO® unique is that it is a nasal spray and can now be taken in two ways:
- As a standalone treatment (monotherapy) for faster relief from depressive symptoms—potentially within 24 hours
- Or in tandem with oral antidepressants for a combined therapeutic approach
Why SPRAVATO® Therapy Is Unique
There are three differentiating factors that separate SPRAVATO® therapy from traditional antidepressant medications:
- Rapid Relief: Unlike traditional medications, which can take 4-6 weeks to start working, patients using SPRAVATO® medication often report relief in as little as 24 hours.
- Improved Response Rate: In clinical trials, 22% of patients achieved full remission by week 4 (compared to 7.6% with a placebo). This is particularly exciting as these trials focused on patients who did not respond to at least two other antidepressants.
- Targets Different Areas of the Brain: Unlike traditional antidepressant medications, which typically target serotonin, SPRAVATO® medication targets glutamate. This unique approach means it can work for patients—even when conventional antidepressants haven't.
Who Is a Good Candidate For SPRAVATO® Therapy?
While research shows that SPRAVATO® medication can be an effective treatment method, it is specifically designed for:
- Those with treatment-resistant depression: Adults who have tried at least two other medications but have not achieved remission or at least 50% improvement in their mood.
- Adults with major depressive disorders: These may include PTSD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or a history of drug and substance abuse or suicidal ideation.
To find out if SPRAVATO® therapy is right for you, please schedule a complimentary consultation with our team.
With over 30 years of experience safely administering ketamine to patients, our doctors will meet with you to discuss your medical history, current medications, and condition to determine whether SPRAVATO® therapy is the right fit. If so, we’ll design a personalized treatment plan and guide you through every step—from insurance authorization to your first treatment session.
Relief Begins Here
If you’re struggling with treatment-resistant depression and need an innovative treatment approach, SPRAVATO® therapy may offer the breakthrough you’ve been looking for. Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation!
Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine if ketamine therapy is suitable for your unique situation.
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