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How Quickly Can Spravato Help?

How Quickly Can Spravato Help?
When you have tried multiple treatments for depression without relief, waiting several more weeks to find out whether another medication will work can be frustrating. Spravato® (esketamine) offers a different approach for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and one of its notable features is how quickly Spravato can help. Clinical studies have found reductions in depressive symptoms as early as 24 hours after treatment. This does not mean everyone will feel dramatically better after the first dose, however. Response varies from person to person, and treatment is a series of sessions rather than a one-time treatment. To learn whether this medication could help you, schedule a consultation with our team.

How Soon Could You Notice a Difference With Spravato?

You may notice changes relatively early in treatment. Clinical trial data have demonstrated improvement in depressive symptoms approximately 24 hours after a Spravato dose. However, after the initial improvement, symptoms often continue to get better as treatment continues. The first treatment phase generally lasts four weeks, during which Spravato is administered twice a week. After the initial phase, your treatment frequency is typically reduced. We evaluate your response throughout treatment and determine an appropriate schedule based on your individual needs and response to the medication. It's important to keep your expectations realistic. A rapid response is possible, but it is impossible to predict exactly how quickly a person will respond. Some people may notice meaningful changes early, while others need additional treatments before they can determine whether Spravato is helping.

Looking Beyond the First Treatment

It is natural to hope for quick help with depression symptoms while taking Spravato, but it is not always an overnight transformation. Sometimes your first changes are subtle. You might find it a little easier to get through your usual routine or notice that certain symptoms are becoming less intense. We can help evaluate these changes over time rather than relying on how you feel at a single moment. Following the recommended treatment schedule also matters. The induction phase is intended to establish a response before treatment moves into the maintenance phase. We can then adjust the frequency according to your response.

A Different Approach to Treatment-Resistant Depression

Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray that works differently from traditional antidepressants and is administered under medical supervision in a certified healthcare setting. After receiving Spravato, you are monitored for at least two hours for side effects including:
  • Sedation
  • Dissociation
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Respiratory depression
Although Spravato is approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression, at Genesis Behavioral Health Services we offer mental health services for both adults and adolescents through a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals.

Comprehensive Care at Genesis Behavioral Health Services

Depression treatment rarely relies on a single medication. At Genesis Behavioral Health Services, our licensed clinicians provide customized care to address different aspects of your mental and emotional health. Our services include individual and family therapy and psychiatric care, including medication management. For eligible adults with treatment-resistant depression, Spravato provides another treatment option when antidepressant medications have not provided adequate relief. We also treat adolescents and understand that younger patients and their families may have very different needs. A highly qualified multidisciplinary team provides care with flexible options designed to make treatment easier to incorporate into school, work, family responsibilities, and everyday life.

Contact Us to Find Out How Quickly Can Spravato Help and Whether it is Right for You

If you have been living with depression despite trying multiple medications, learning that a different treatment approach is available can be encouraging. While Spravato can help quickly, treatment is tailored to your needs, and results cannot be guaranteed. Our licensed clinicians review your symptoms and previous treatments and help determine the best treatment approach. Contact Genesis Behavioral Health Services to request an appointment and learn more about your treatment options.
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