A New Option for Treatment-Resistant Depression

For many adults living with depression, finding the right treatment can be a long and frustrating journey. While traditional antidepressants can be effective, some individuals find little to no relief even after trying multiple medications. This is known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD) — and until recently, options were limited.

Today, there’s a new FDA-approved treatment offering renewed hope: Spravato® (esketamine), a nasal spray designed for adults with TRD. Available only in certified clinics like Adult Family Health Services, Spravato works differently from standard antidepressants, targeting areas of the brain involved in mood and emotional regulation.

How Spravato Works

Unlike most antidepressants, which affect serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, Spravato acts on the NMDA receptor, influencing glutamate — a neurotransmitter linked to learning, memory, and mood regulation.[1] By restoring balance to these pathways, Spravato can help “reset” the brain’s response to depression.

This unique mechanism is what sets it apart. In clinical studies, some patients experienced improvement in symptoms within days, compared to the weeks or months that traditional medications often require.[2]

What to Expect During Treatment

Spravato is administered in-office under medical supervision. During each session, patients self-administer the nasal spray while a trained healthcare provider monitors them for about two hours. Because the medication may cause short-term drowsiness or dizziness, patients should arrange transportation home afterward.

Treatment usually begins twice a week for the first month and gradually tapers as symptoms improve. Every treatment plan is individualized, ensuring that progress is closely monitored and care remains personalized.

Is Spravato Right for You?

Spravato is specifically approved for adults who have tried at least two other antidepressant medications without adequate relief.[3] It’s often used alongside an oral antidepressant and a comprehensive care plan that includes therapy and lifestyle support.

While not a cure, Spravato offers a new path forward for those who’ve felt stuck — and many patients describe feeling more emotionally balanced and hopeful after completing several treatments.

Hope Starts Here

At Adult Family Health Services, we understand how difficult it can be to live with depression that doesn’t respond to traditional medications. Our caring team provides a safe, supportive environment for Spravato treatment and ongoing mental health care.

If you or a loved one has struggled to find relief, you don’t have to face it alone. Spravato may help open the door to a brighter tomorrow.

Contact Adult Family Health Services today to schedule a consultation and learn whether Spravato is right for you.

References

1. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). “Esketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression.”

2. U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). “FDA Approves New Nasal Spray Medication for Treatment-Resistant Depression.” 2019.

3. Janssen Pharmaceuticals. “Spravato® (esketamine) Nasal Spray Prescribing Information.”