Your Spravato Questions Answered

When you’re struggling with depression, it can feel like a battle just getting through each day. Nothing is more frustrating than trying your best to feel better and more like yourself again, yet traditional anti-depressants fall short.

Premier family medicine practice Horizons Wellness Family Health NP PLLC in Middletown, New York offers patients living with depression a full range of treatment options, including cutting-edge treatments such as Spravato® and ketamine infusions. 

Led by board-certified family nurse practitioner Albalira Gibson-Borrelli, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC,  our practice provides compassionate care in a welcoming setting where your mental health is a top priority. Here’s everything you need to know about Spravato and how it may help you or someone you love feel good and function well again.

What is Spravato, and how does it work?

Spravato (esketamine) is a prescription nasal spray approved by the FDA for individuals experiencing treatment-resistant depression. It's derived from ketamine, a well-studied anesthetic with rapid-acting antidepressant properties.

Unlike typical antidepressants that target serotonin, Spravato acts on glutamate, a different neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation. This process enables it to work more efficiently, with most patients experiencing noticeable relief in symptoms within hours or days.

Who qualifies for Spravato treatment?

Spravato is designed for people who have tried two or more antidepressants without adequate symptom relief. If your depression persists despite medications, therapy, or both, you may be a good candidate. 

It’s also FDA-approved for people experiencing major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. 

What happens during a Spravato appointment?

Spravato gets administered in a certified treatment center such as Horizons Wellness. During your appointment, you self-administer the nasal spray under clinical supervision. Afterward, you rest in a comfortable space for two hours while our team observes your blood pressure, mental status, and overall response. 

You’ll need a ride home afterward, since temporary side effects like dizziness or dissociation can affect your ability to drive.

Are there side effects or risks?

Like all medications, Spravato can cause side effects. The most common are: 

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Feeling disconnected
• Temporary increase in blood pressure

Most symptoms wear off within a few hours. Spravato is not habit-forming in a clinical setting, and our team monitors you to ensure safety throughout your treatment plan.

How soon can I expect to feel better?

Many patients feel relief after one or two sessions, while others experience benefits with more sessions. Everyone responds differently, but research shows that Spravato can significantly reduce depressive symptoms, even in patients who have not responded to multiple other treatments.

Relief from resistant depression with Spravato

If you're tired of feeling stuck and nothing else has worked, Spravato might be the option that finally makes a difference. Horizons Wellness Family Health NP PLLC is committed to providing advanced, personalized care that puts your mental health first. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if Spravato is right for you.