Spravato Treatment for Depression Sanford NC

Spravato treatment consultation at Well Centered Wellness Sanford NC

Understanding Spravato

What Is Spravato?

Spravato (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray for adults who have tried antidepressants but haven't found enough relief. It works differently from traditional antidepressants — rather than slowly adjusting serotonin levels over weeks, it targets a brain chemical called glutamate and can start working much faster, sometimes within hours or days.

Think of it this way: if traditional antidepressants are like slowly filling a bucket, Spravato is like turning on the tap — it can create change quickly in the pathways that regulate mood, motivation, and outlook. It's not a cure, but for many people, it provides the relief they've been searching for when nothing else has worked.

Spravato is given in our clinic as a nasal spray while you relax in a comfortable setting. Our clinical team monitors you throughout the session to make sure you're safe and comfortable. It's always combined with an oral antidepressant as part of a full psychiatric care plan.

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Is It Right for Me?

Who Is Spravato For?

Spravato is specifically approved for two types of patients. You may be a candidate if you fall into one of these categories.

Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)

You've been diagnosed with major depression and have tried at least two different antidepressant medications at the right dose for the right amount of time — and neither worked well enough. This is called treatment-resistant depression, and Spravato was specifically developed for you.

Major Depression with Suicidal Thinking

You have major depressive disorder along with active suicidal ideation or behavior and need a treatment that can begin working quickly. Spravato has a specific FDA approval for this situation and can be a critical bridge while longer-acting treatments take effect.

Currently on an Antidepressant

Spravato is not a stand-alone treatment — it's used alongside an oral antidepressant. If you're already taking one and it's not doing enough, adding Spravato to your regimen may be the combination that finally brings meaningful relief.

Symptoms We Help

Signs That Spravato Might Help You

If you've been living with depression that feels impossible to shake despite treatment, these experiences may sound familiar.

Depression unresponsive to medication

Persistent sadness or emptiness

Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

Fatigue and low energy every day

Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly

Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)

Suicidal thoughts

Tried multiple antidepressants without relief

Your Treatment Journey

What to Expect with Spravato

Spravato treatment is structured, safe, and done entirely in our clinic. Here's exactly what happens from start to finish.

1

Evaluation & Qualification

We review your full psychiatric history, the antidepressants you've tried, and your current symptoms to confirm you meet the criteria for Spravato. We also review any contraindications and complete the necessary insurance paperwork.

2

In-Office Treatment Session

You self-administer the nasal spray under the supervision of our clinical team in a private, comfortable room. You'll rest for about two hours while we monitor your blood pressure, mood, and any side effects. You cannot drive yourself home after the session, so a designated driver is required.

3

Induction Phase (First Month)

In the first four weeks, you'll come in twice a week — this is the induction phase where your brain begins to respond to the treatment. Many patients notice changes in mood, sleep, or energy during this period.

4

Maintenance Phase

After the induction phase, sessions move to once a week for a month, then once every one to two weeks for ongoing maintenance. We continuously assess your response and adjust as needed alongside your oral antidepressant.

Spravato esketamine nasal spray treatment at Well Centered Wellness

The Science, Simply Explained

How Spravato Works in the Brain

Traditional antidepressants like SSRIs work on serotonin — a brain chemical that regulates mood. They can take four to six weeks to work, and for many people, they simply don't work well enough.

Spravato works on a different system entirely. It blocks a receptor in the brain called NMDA, which triggers a rapid release of glutamate — the brain's main "go" signal. This surge of glutamate helps rebuild the neural connections that depression has damaged, almost like repairing worn-out wiring. The result can be a faster and more meaningful improvement in mood, energy, and quality of life.

Rapid Onset

Many patients notice changes within 24 hours of their first session — far faster than traditional antidepressants.

FDA-Approved & Clinically Proven

Spravato received FDA approval after large clinical trials showing significant reduction in depressive symptoms in patients who had failed multiple other treatments.

Always Supervised

Every session is monitored by our clinical team. Spravato can only be administered in a certified healthcare setting — you will never take it home.

Coverage & Cost

Does Insurance Cover Spravato?

Because Spravato is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation, many insurance plans — including Medicare and Medicaid — cover it. Coverage depends on your specific plan, documented history of prior antidepressant failures, and clinical diagnosis.

Our team handles the insurance pre-authorization process for you. We'll verify your benefits, document the required prior treatment history, and help you understand your out-of-pocket costs before your first session. In many cases, patients pay little to nothing.

Janssen, the maker of Spravato, also offers a patient assistance program for those who qualify. We can walk you through those options during your consultation.

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Common Questions

Spravato Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spravato the same as ketamine?

Spravato (esketamine) is chemically related to ketamine but is not the same thing. Esketamine is a more refined molecule derived from ketamine, formulated specifically as a nasal spray and approved by the FDA for depression. Unlike IV ketamine infusions, Spravato is given in a controlled, monitored clinical setting and is covered by insurance for qualifying patients.

Will I feel "high" during the session?

Some patients experience dissociative effects — a feeling of being slightly detached from their surroundings — during the two-hour monitoring period. This is expected, temporary, and fully resolved by the time you leave the clinic. This is why you must have someone drive you home after each session. Most patients describe the experience as calm and manageable.

How quickly will I feel results?

Some patients notice a lift in mood within 24 hours of their first session. Others need a few sessions before noticing significant change. Spravato works faster than traditional antidepressants for most people, but individual responses vary. Our team closely monitors your progress and adjusts your treatment plan accordingly.

Can I stop taking my current antidepressant?

No. Spravato is approved as an add-on therapy, meaning it must be used alongside an oral antidepressant — not as a replacement. Our psychiatric team will help you find the right combination and make any adjustments to your overall medication plan as part of your care.

Who should not use Spravato?

Spravato is not appropriate for everyone. It is not recommended for people with certain heart or blood vessel conditions, a history of psychosis or certain other psychiatric conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Our team will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to confirm it is safe for you before proceeding.

Spravato Treatment Sanford NC