For those who have tried multiple antidepressants without finding relief, the journey through depression can feel exhausting and hopeless. But there’s new hope on the horizon. Brainiac Behavioral Health in Orange County now offers Spravato (esketamine) treatment—an innovative, FDA-approved therapy that’s changing lives for people with treatment-resistant depression.
What is Spravato?
Spravato is a nasal spray medication containing esketamine, a breakthrough treatment approved by the FDA in 2019 for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to work, Spravato works differently in the brain and can provide relief much more quickly for some patients.
Esketamine is related to ketamine, an anesthetic that has shown remarkable promise in treating severe depression. Spravato represents a new class of antidepressants that targets the glutamate system in the brain, rather than the serotonin or norepinephrine systems targeted by traditional antidepressants.
Who Can Benefit from Spravato?
Spravato is specifically designed for adults with treatment-resistant depression—meaning you’ve tried at least two different antidepressant medications without adequate improvement. It’s also approved for adults with major depressive disorder who are experiencing acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
You might be a candidate for Spravato if:
- You’ve tried multiple antidepressants without sufficient relief
- Your depression significantly impacts your daily functioning and quality of life
- You’re looking for a treatment option that works differently than traditional medications
- You’re willing to commit to the treatment protocol, including in-office monitoring
What to Expect During Spravato Treatment
At Brainiac Behavioral Health, your safety and comfort are top priorities. Spravato treatment follows a carefully structured protocol:
Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine if Spravato is right for you. The experienced psychiatric team will review your medical history, previous treatments, and current symptoms.
Treatment Sessions: Spravato is self-administered as a nasal spray under medical supervision at the Brainiac Behavioral Health office. You cannot take this medication at home. During the treatment session:
- You’ll administer the nasal spray yourself under staff guidance
- You’ll remain in a comfortable monitoring area for at least two hours after administration
- Medical staff will monitor your blood pressure and observe for any side effects
- You’ll need someone to drive you home, as you cannot drive or operate heavy machinery for the rest of the day
Treatment Schedule: Initially, you’ll typically come in twice per week for the first month, then once weekly, and eventually less frequently as your depression improves. Your treatment schedule will be personalized based on your response.
Ongoing Medication: Spravato is used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, not as a standalone treatment.
The Benefits of Spravato
Patients who respond to Spravato often experience significant benefits:
Rapid Relief: Unlike traditional antidepressants that may take 4-6 weeks to work, some patients notice improvements within hours or days of treatment.
New Mechanism of Action: Because Spravato works differently than conventional antidepressants, it can be effective for people who haven’t responded to other treatments.
Hope for Treatment-Resistant Depression: For those who have felt stuck in their depression journey, Spravato offers a new pathway to relief and recovery.
Reduced Suicidal Thoughts: Studies have shown that Spravato can rapidly reduce suicidal ideation in people experiencing a crisis.
Understanding Potential Side Effects
As with any medication, Spravato can cause side effects. Common ones include:
- Dissociation (feeling detached from your thoughts, feelings, or surroundings)
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sedation
- Increased blood pressure
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Altered perception
These effects typically occur shortly after administration and resolve within a few hours. This is why treatment takes place in a supervised medical setting at Brainiac Behavioral Health, where trained professionals can monitor you and ensure your safety.
Why Choose Brainiac Behavioral Health for Spravato Treatment?
Experienced Medical Team: The clinicians at Brainiac Behavioral Health are specially trained in administering Spravato and managing treatment-resistant depression. They have the expertise to determine if you’re a good candidate and to optimize your treatment plan.
Comprehensive Care: Spravato treatment is integrated into a broader treatment approach that may include therapy, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing psychiatric care. This holistic approach addresses all aspects of your mental health.
Safe, Comfortable Environment: The treatment space is designed for your comfort during the monitoring period. You’ll be in a calm, supportive environment where staff members are attentive to your needs.
Personalized Treatment Plans: Your treatment schedule and dosing are tailored to your individual response, ensuring you receive the most effective care possible.
Ongoing Support: The relationship doesn’t end when the treatment session does. Your care team provides continuous support, monitoring your progress, adjusting treatment as needed, and helping you maintain your improvements.
Insurance and Access
Spravato is covered by many insurance plans for treatment-resistant depression. The team at Brainiac Behavioral Health can help you understand your coverage and navigate the insurance approval process.
Taking the Next Step
If you’ve been struggling with depression despite trying multiple treatments, you don’t have to lose hope. Spravato represents a genuine breakthrough in treating depression that hasn’t responded to conventional approaches.
The first step is reaching out to Brainiac Behavioral Health for a consultation. During this appointment, you’ll discuss your treatment history, learn more about how Spravato works, and determine together whether this innovative treatment is right for you.
Living with treatment-resistant depression is incredibly difficult, but you don’t have to continue suffering. With Spravato treatment at Brainiac Behavioral Health, there’s new reason for hope and a path forward toward the relief you’ve been seeking.
Contact Brainiac Behavioral Health today to schedule your consultation and discover if Spravato could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
Treatment-resistant depression doesn’t mean untreatable depression. With innovative options like Spravato, even those who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments can find hope for a brighter future.