If you have tried traditional treatment options such as talk therapy and antidepressants but continue to experience persistent symptoms of depression, you are not alone. Major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD) often cause significant fatigue and frustration when conventional approaches fail to provide relief. Spravato (esketamine) offers an alternative treatment, administered by our team in a safe, structured environment.
When previous methods have failed, contact The Neuropsychiatry & TMS Group to learn more about new treatment options and how Spravato works.
Spravato is a nasal spray formulation of esketamine, a compound chemically related to ketamine. While traditional antidepressants typically require several weeks to take effect, Spravato’s treatment process often produces results more rapidly by interacting with a different neural pathway.
Clinicians do not prescribe Spravato as a substitute for existing medications. Instead, Spravato is often administered in conjunction with oral antidepressants to provide more comprehensive symptom management.
While most antidepressants target serotonin, Spravato activates NMDA receptors and increases glutamate in your brain, a chemical that helps brain cells communicate. This boost supports new connections between brain cells, essentially “rewiring” areas involved in mood regulation. Therefore, Spravato does not just mask symptoms. Rather, it helps create real, measurable change in the way your brain processes emotion, thought, and memory.
Our clinical team administers Spravato in-office under close supervision. You will begin with twice-weekly visits, then gradually reduce session frequency as your treatment progresses. During a typical appointment, you will check in and settle into a quiet, private treatment room. A team member will guide you through the nasal spray administration, then monitor your blood pressure, mood, and comfort for approximately two hours.
After treatment, you will need someone to drive you home, as Spravato may cause temporary drowsiness or dissociation. Most individuals report feeling calm, slightly detached, or dreamlike during treatment, usually resolving by the end of their visit.
You may not be eligible for Spravato if you have a history of certain conditions, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or substance use concerns. During an initial evaluation, our St. Petersburg, Tampa, or Brandon clinicians will explain the treatment process and confirm whether Spravato is both safe and appropriate for you.
At The Neuropsychiatry & TMS Group, we treat you as more than a chart or a checklist—we recognize you as a whole person, and we value your story.
Dr. Faizi Ahmed, a dual board-certified specialist in psychiatry and neuropsychiatry and behavioral neurology, brings expertise in brain and behavior, providing our clients with a deeper, more thoughtful level of care.
For individuals considering Spravato, we offer clear guidance on what to expect from the treatment process, helping you understand how it may support your mental health goals. Our team also collaborates directly with your existing provider to ensure everyone is working together to support your health and quality of life.
Trying something new can feel intimidating, but we will guide you every step of the Spravato treatment process. Our team is warm, patient, and committed to making your experience as comfortable as possible. We will explain what you can expect and answer your questions clearly so you never feel out of the loop. Contact us today to explore how Spravato works.