At Colorado Psychiatry Solutions, we’re committed to providing the latest, evidence-based treatments for depression. One of the newest depression treatment services we’ve added to our treatment options in recent years is Spravato, a nasal spray that’s changing how we approach treatment-resistant depression.
In 2024, the FDA approved Spravato (esketamine) as a standalone treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), thereby expanding its approved uses which previously required Spravato to be used along with an antidepressant.
This change by the FDA reflects the evidence supporting Spravato’s effectiveness and gives patients new options. Let’s take a look at how Spravato works and where it fits alongside other proven depression treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine infusions.
What Is Spravato?
Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, a derivative of ketamine. Because it is ketamine based, it shares many of the same properties: it is fast acting and highly effective at quickly reducing symptoms of depression. Patients often notice improvement whit Spravato within hours or days of first treatment.
Spravato works by affecting the glutamate system, increasing neuroplasticity and helping to “reset” brain circuits involved in mood and emotion regulation. This makes it especially effective for people who have been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, because it uses a different functional mechanism than antidepressants.
Spravato is administered via a nasal spray at our offices in Colorado Springs and Monument. Patients are monitored during and after treatment to ensure correct administration and to monitor for any side effects from treatment.
Until recently, Spravato was only approved to be used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. But in 2024 the FDA updated its guidance, allowing Spravato to be used on its own in treating major depressive disorder. This is a big deal because antidepressants come with side effects or simply don’t work for many patients. Patients who were looking to get off antidepressants were required to continue taking them. Thanks to the updated guidance, we can now offer Spravato to our patients in Colorado Springs as its own treatment without requiring additional medications.
How Spravato Fits With TMS and Ketamine Therapy
At Colorado Psychiatry Solutions, we offer several treatment options because depression is complex. Each patient is unique and having multiple options available allows us to match each patient with the right treatment program. Here’s how Spravato fits in with other treatments like TMS or IV ketamine therapy.
Spravato + TMS: A Powerful Combination for Treating Depression
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is also an FDA-approved depression treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Because its functional mechanism is also different from that of antidepressant medication, TMS also works well for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
We’ve seen patients achieve faster and more complete relief when combining Spravato’s rapid-acting effects with TMS’s longer-term depression relief. The neuroplasticity produced by Spravato enhances the ability of TMS to produce changes in the brain. While Spravato works to provide quick symptom relief, TMS reinforces and sustains those gains over time.
Spravato vs. Ketamine Infusions: Which to Choose?
Spravato and ketamine share a similar mechanism of action, but the delivery method and dosage differ. Ketamine infusions are delivered through an IV rather than a nasal spray. The procedure is performed at our clinic locations in Colorado Springs and Monument.
Ketamine infusions are an excellent option for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. For patients with co-occurring anxiety or suicidal ideation, IV ketamine therapy is the recommended treatment option. At this time, Spravato is only approved by the FDA for treating depression.
Both options are available at Colorado Psychiatry Solutions, and we determine the best treatment option based on a patient’s diagnosis, clinical history, comfort level, and treatment response.
What to Expect from Spravato Treatment
Spravato isn’t always a quick fix, but it does work faster than most antidepressants or TMS. It has a similar response time to ketamine infusion therapy, with many patients noticing changes in mood, energy, and thought patterns within the first few treatments. Over time, these improvements become more stable and produce a longer lasting effect, especially when paired with other supportive strategies like TMS therapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.
Fast Depression Treatment in Colorado Springs
Spravato is a breakthrough depression treatment that delivers excellent results for our patients. It is similar to ketamine infusion therapy in its functional mechanism and fast acting effect. Spravato and ketamine therapy are two of the fastest ways to achieve relief from depression, bringing real relief to patients faster than antidepressants, therapy, or TMS.
We are pleased to offer Spravato treatment at our clinic locations in Colorado Springs and Monument. If you’re in the Colorado Springs area and looking for depression relief, please reach out to us. Our team is here to guide you through the different depression treatment options and work together to build a care plan that works for you.
To get started, please schedule a consultation at Colorado Psychiatry Solutions or call us today at 719-622-6522.
