Major Depressive Disorder is a severe condition that drains a person’s energy, joy, and hope. Standard treatment for depression usually involves a combination of talk therapy and oral antidepressants (like SSRIs or SNRIs).
However, the reality of psychiatric care is that brain chemistry is highly complex. Standard treatments don’t work for everyone.
- Two-thirds of patients find that the first antidepressant they try doesn’t bring them to full remission.
- Up to one-third of individuals find their depression doesn’t adequately respond to medication at all, even after several different types of medications are tried.
If you have tried two or more oral antidepressants without meaningful relief, you likely meet the clinical criteria for Treatment-Resistant Depression. Other signs include experiencing only brief windows of relief before plunging back into longer, more severe depressive episodes.
Spravato: A Rapid-Acting Breakthrough in Depression Treatment
Spravato is an FDA-approved prescription nasal spray specifically approved for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder accompanied by suicidal thoughts or actions. It contains esketamine, a derivative of ketamine.
Unlike traditional antidepressants that take weeks to build up serotonin or dopamine in the brain, Spravato targets the glutamate system. Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, and targeting it helps rapidly stimulate neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to form new, healthy neural connections.
Because of this unique mechanism, Spravato is famous for its speed in delivering relief. Instead of waiting 4 to 6 weeks to notice improvements, many patients report a significant reduction in depressive symptoms within just a few hours to a few days after treatment.
At Colorado Psychiatry Solutions, we administer Spravato to patients who meet clinical criteria. These patients have typically tried several other options, such as multiple medication attempts and therapy. In many cases, Spravato brings the relief from depression that eluded them previously.
The Latest Research (2025 Update)
The scientific research behind Spravato is impressive and continues to grow. Thanks to ongoing research, Spravato is now approved for a wider variety of patients. Previously, Spravato was only approved for use alongside a daily oral antidepressant. This limited the number of patients who could take advantage of Spravato. However, a landmark 2025 Phase 4 randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry evaluated esketamine (Spravato) as a standalone treatment (monotherapy) for adults with treatment-resistant depression.
The 2025 study found that esketamine monotherapy resulted in a “statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in depressive symptoms” compared to a placebo. Astonishingly, patients experienced substantial relief as early as 24 hours after their very first dose, with results sustained throughout the 28-day trial period.
This recent clinical update means that for patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of traditional daily pills (or who simply don’t want to be on antidepressants at all), Spravato is now an available option for fast-acting relief.
How Spravato is Administered
Because Spravato works so quickly and acts differently than standard medications, it is not a prescription you pick up at the pharmacy and take at home. It must be administered in a certified clinic under close medical supervision.
At Colorado Psychiatry Solutions, your care, comfort, and safety are our top priorities. You are instructed fully on the delivery device and protocol and monitored for correct application. Afterward, we continue to monitor your vital signs and symptoms to ensure a successful treatment result.
Here is what you can expect on treatment day:
| Step | What Happens |
| 1. Administration | You will self-administer the nasal spray in one of our comfortable, quiet treatment rooms. |
| 2. Observation | You will relax in our office for about two hours. |
| 3. Monitoring | Our medical staff will monitor your blood pressure and watch for common temporary side effects, such as dizziness, sedation, or dissociation (feeling temporarily disconnected from your body or thoughts). |
| 4. Heading Home | Because esketamine can cause drowsiness, you cannot drive yourself home. You will need a trusted friend, family member or rideshare to pick you up. |
Where to Receive Spravato Treatment in Colorado Springs
At Colorado Psychiatry Solutions, we specialize in providing advanced, compassionate care for complex mental health conditions. Even if you have tried some depression treatments without success, other promising options, like Spravato, are available.
Colorado Psychiatry Solutions is conveniently located in four locations across Colorado Springs and Monument. If you are interested in seeing if Spravato treatment is right for you, please schedule an appointment today. Our highly trained providers are ready to help you determine if this groundbreaking treatment is the right path forward for you.
