Spravato

At TMS Therapeutics in San Diego, we proudly offer Spravato (esketamine) therapy in La Mesa, CA, as a groundbreaking treatment for individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation. Spravato is the first FDA-approved nasal spray of its kind, offering a novel mechanism of action for people who have not responded to conventional antidepressants. Administered under clinical supervision, Spravato can deliver rapid symptom relief—often within hours to days—unlike traditional medications that may take weeks to take effect. For many, it represents a new chapter in their journey toward mental wellness.

Why Spravato Matters to Mental Health Providers

Healthcare providers are consistently seeking safer, faster, and more effective solutions for patients with difficult-to-treat mental health conditions. Spravato offers a unique opportunity to address severe depression in patients who haven’t responded to multiple oral antidepressants. It works through a different pathway than standard SSRIs or SNRIs, targeting NMDA receptors in the brain, which allows for quicker alleviation of symptoms. This speed is especially vital for patients experiencing suicidal thoughts, where time-sensitive intervention is critical. Offering Spravato allows providers to expand their toolkit with a powerful treatment supported by clinical research while reinforcing their commitment to personalized, evidence-based care. For psychiatric professionals, it opens a pathway to improved outcomes, greater patient retention, and reduced hospitalization risk.

When to Consider Spravato & Recognizing the Signs

Spravato is designed for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation. It is prescribed only after other antidepressants have failed to yield satisfactory results. Recognizing the symptoms early can guide timely referral and intervention.

Symptoms That May Indicate a Need for Spravato Treatment:

• Persistent sadness that doesn’t improve with standard medications
• Frequent or recurring suicidal thoughts
• Emotional numbness or detachment from daily life
• Lack of motivation, even for basic tasks
• Chronic fatigue despite adequate sleep
• Significant weight or appetite changes
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of hopelessness that interfere with functioning
  
  

Patients presenting with these symptoms, particularly when unresponsive to at least two prior antidepressants, may be candidates for Spravato therapy under REMS-certified supervision.

What to Expect: The Spravato Treatment Journey

Spravato is administered in a controlled clinical setting to ensure safety, comfort, and optimal monitoring. The process is structured yet personalized, ensuring each patient receives care tailored to their clinical history.

Step-by-Step Guide to Spravato Therapy

Initial Psychiatric Evaluation and Eligibility Screening
A comprehensive review of the patient’s medical and psychiatric history is conducted to confirm a diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression or MDD with suicidal ideation. Patients must have tried at least two antidepressants without significant improvement.

Enrollment in the REMS Program
Spravato is a controlled medication and can only be dispensed and administered through REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) certified clinics. Patients and providers must register to comply with safety protocols.

First In-Clinic Session
During each session, patients self-administer the nasal spray under medical supervision. They are then monitored for at least two hours to assess for side effects such as dissociation, dizziness, or changes in blood pressure.

Continued Monitoring and Dosage Schedule
Spravato is typically administered twice a week for the first four weeks, followed by a tapering schedule based on individual response. Patients continue to take an oral antidepressant alongside the nasal spray.

Ongoing Assessment and Follow-Up Care
Progress is carefully tracked throughout the treatment process. Adjustments are made as needed, and aftercare planning includes psychological support and long-term wellness strategies.

Can Spravato Help Stop the Progression of Depression?

Spravato’s rapid mechanism of action allows patients to gain control over their depression before it escalates to more dangerous or debilitating stages. By disrupting negative thought cycles early, especially those involving suicidality, Spravato helps mitigate the need for emergency psychiatric interventions or hospitalization. Its therapeutic effects can promote behavioral activation, encouraging patients to re-engage with therapy, self-care routines, and daily responsibilities. Preventing further emotional decline also reduces the long-term burden on families and the healthcare system. For many, early access to Spravato can mean the difference between persistent crisis and the first steps toward recovery.

Life After Spravato

Patients who respond well to Spravato often experience rapid and noticeable mood, energy levels, and cognitive function improvements. Many describe a lifting of the emotional fog that had kept them immobilized for years. This improvement can foster increased participation in therapy, greater social engagement, and a sense of renewed purpose.

Though Spravato is not a cure, it offers a powerful therapeutic reset, especially for those who have tried and exhausted traditional options. Patients can achieve partial or complete remission, and with ongoing mental health support, many can maintain these gains long-term. In La Mesa and throughout San Diego County, Spravato has become a beacon of hope for individuals considered “untreatable.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Spravato Therapy

Is Spravato the same as ketamine?
Spravato contains esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, but it is a distinct, FDA-approved medication specifically indicated for treatment-resistant depression. It is administered as a nasal spray and closely monitored in a clinical setting.

How quickly does Spravato work?
Many patients report relief within hours or days after their first few sessions, especially with suicidal thoughts. However, consistent improvement is typically seen over the first four weeks.

Are there side effects with Spravato?
Some patients experience dizziness, nausea, or dissociation during or after treatment. These side effects are usually temporary and are managed with on-site monitoring.

Can I drive after Spravato treatment?
No, patients are not permitted to drive or operate heavy machinery for the rest of the day following treatment. A responsible adult must accompany them after each session.

Is Spravato covered by insurance?
Many insurance providers cover Spravato for qualifying patients. Our team assists with verification of benefits and prior authorization paperwork to simplify the process.

Reclaim Your Stability with Spravato in La Mesa

If you or someone you love is facing relentless depression and standard treatments haven’t brought relief, Spravato may offer a new path forward. At TMS Therapeutics In San Diego, we provide compassionate, clinically supervised care in a REMS-certified setting to help you access this transformative treatment safely and confidently.

Our La Mesa location is committed to bringing breakthrough mental health solutions to our community. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and explore whether Spravato therapy is the right step toward stability, clarity, and renewed hope.