Depression impacts millions of Americans, yet nearly one-third of those with major depressive disorder find little relief from traditional antidepressants. For individuals facing treatment-resistant depression, SPRAVATO offers a groundbreaking alternative that’s reshaping how we approach mental health care. At Access Health Services in Lanham, MD, we proudly provide SPRAVATO Treatment as part of our comprehensive mental health services, offering hope to those who haven’t found success with conventional treatments.

Let’s explore what SPRAVATO treatment is and how this innovative therapy works to provide relief for people suffering from treatment-resistant depression when traditional antidepressants haven’t been effective.

Understanding Treatment-Resistant Depression

Before exploring SPRAVATO’s benefits, it’s important to understand treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This condition is diagnosed when a person fails to respond to at least two different antidepressant treatments at adequate doses and duration. People with TRD often experience:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
  • Diminished interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Significant weight changes or appetite disturbances
  • Sleep problems (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
  • Fatigue and energy loss
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

The chronic nature of TRD can significantly impact quality of life, relationships, and ability to function in daily activities. Traditional approaches often fall short for these patients, making innovative treatments like SPRAVATO Treatment for Treatment-Resistant Depression particularly valuable.

What is SPRAVATO?

SPRAVATO treatment (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray designed for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants that focus on serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine, SPRAVATO targets glutamate—an essential neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation.

Derived from ketamine, esketamine is specially formulated at low doses for safe and effective use in treating depression. What sets SPRAVATO apart is its rapid onset of action, offering potential relief within hours or days rather than the weeks required by conventional medications.

How SPRAVATO Works: The Science Behind the Treatment

The mechanism that makes SPRAVATO treatment effective differs significantly from conventional antidepressants:

NMDA Receptor Modulation

SPRAVATO works primarily by blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain. These receptors play a crucial role in glutamate signaling, which affects mood, cognition, and neural plasticity.

Enhanced Neuroplasticity

By modulating glutamate transmission, SPRAVATO promotes the growth and reconnection of neural pathways that may have deteriorated during depression. This enhanced neuroplasticity helps the brain rebuild healthier communication networks.

Rapid Action

Unlike SSRIs and other traditional antidepressants that work gradually by increasing neurotransmitter levels over weeks, SPRAVATO’s mechanism provides faster relief—often within 24 hours of the first dose for some patients.

Complementary Approach

SPRAVATO is designed to be used alongside an oral antidepressant, creating a comprehensive approach to managing treatment-resistant depression.

The SPRAVATO Treatment Experience at Access Health Services

When you choose SPRAVATO Treatment in Lanham, MD at Access Health Services, you’ll experience a carefully supervised therapeutic process:

Initial Evaluation

Before beginning treatment, our mental health professionals conduct a thorough assessment to determine if SPRAVATO is appropriate for your specific situation. This includes reviewing your:

  • Depression history and symptoms
  • Previous treatments and responses
  • Current medications
  • Physical health status
  • Support system and daily functioning

Structured Treatment Sessions

SPRAVATO isn’t a medication you can take at home. Each treatment session takes place in our specially designed treatment rooms and follows a specific protocol:

  • Pre-Administration Preparation: Your blood pressure is checked, and you’ll complete mood assessment scales to track your depression symptoms over time.
  • Administration: You’ll self-administer the SPRAVATO nasal spray under the direct supervision of our healthcare provider.
  • Monitoring Period: Following administration, you’ll remain in our office for at least two hours while we monitor for potential side effects. During this time, you can rest, read, or engage in quiet activities.
  • Transportation Home: Because SPRAVATO can cause drowsiness and dissociation, you must have someone drive you home after each treatment. You should not drive or operate machinery until the next day.

Treatment Schedule

A typical SPRAVATO treatment course includes:

  • Induction Phase: Twice-weekly treatments for the first month
  • Maintenance Phase: Once-weekly treatments for the second month
  • Continuation Phase: Weekly or bi-weekly treatments based on response

Your specific schedule will be tailored to your needs and response to treatment.

Beyond Depression: Expanding Applications

While primarily approved for TRD, research suggests potential benefits of SPRAVATO for anxiety treatment and other conditions. Many patients with treatment-resistant depression also experience comorbid anxiety disorders, and some report improvements in anxiety symptoms during SPRAVATO therapy.

Additionally, SPRAVATO for mood disorders beyond major depression is an area of active research. The glutamate system SPRAVATO targets plays a role in various psychiatric conditions, making it a promising avenue for future treatments.

The Benefits of SPRAVATO Treatment

Patients choosing SPRAVATO and mental health recovery at Access Health Services often experience several advantages:

  • Rapid Relief from Symptoms: Unlike traditional antidepressants that may take 4-6 weeks to work, many patients report noticeable improvements in depression symptoms within hours or days of their first SPRAVATO treatment.
  • Hope for Treatment-Resistant Cases: For patients who have cycled through multiple antidepressants without adequate relief, SPRAVATO provides a fundamentally different approach that can break through treatment resistance.
  • Reduced Suicidal Thoughts: SPRAVATO has demonstrated effectiveness in rapidly reducing suicidal ideation in clinical trials, making it valuable for patients in acute distress.
  • Supervised Support: The required in-office administration ensures professional monitoring and support throughout treatment, enhancing safety and providing an opportunity to address any concerns immediately.
  • Comprehensive Care Integration: At Access Health Services, we integrate SPRAVATO with traditional therapy approaches and medication management for a holistic treatment experience.

Who Is a Good Candidate for SPRAVATO?

SPRAVATO Treatment for Treatment-Resistant Depression may be appropriate if you:

  • Have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder
  • Have tried at least two antidepressants at adequate doses for adequate duration without sufficient improvement
  • Are currently taking an oral antidepressant
  • Do not have contraindications such as aneurysmal vascular disease, arteriovenous malformation, or history of intracerebral hemorrhage
  • Are not pregnant or breastfeeding

Our team at Access Health Services will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if SPRAVATO is right for your specific situation.

Side Effects and Safety Considerations

As with any medical treatment, SPRAVATO treatment comes with potential side effects. The most common include:

  • Dissociation (feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, or reality)
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vertigo
  • Sedation
  • Increased blood pressure

These effects typically emerge shortly after administration and resolve within two hours, which is why the monitoring period is essential. Our trained staff monitors all patients throughout treatment to ensure safety and comfort.

SPRAVATO and Long-Term Mental Health Recovery

SPRAVATO and mental health recovery often go hand-in-hand, but it’s important to view this treatment as part of a comprehensive approach to mental wellness. For optimal results, we recommend:

  • Continuing your oral antidepressant as prescribed
  • Engaging in psychotherapy to develop coping strategies
  • Establishing healthy lifestyle habits (sleep, nutrition, exercise)
  • Building a strong support network
  • Working with our team to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed

The journey to relief from treatment-resistant depression begins with a single step. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn if SPRAVATO could be right for you.

Taking the Next Step with SPRAVATO

If you’ve struggled with persistent depression despite multiple treatment attempts, SPRAVATO Treatment in Lanham, MD at Access Health Services could provide the breakthrough you’ve been seeking. Our compassionate team, led by Asongtia Ntongawah, is committed to providing this innovative therapy in a safe, supportive environment.

Start your journey to relief now. With SPRAVATO for depression, a brighter future may be closer than you think.