What is Esketamine/Spravato?
This educational video is about this innovative treatment for people suffering from
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
If you have lived with depression that has not improved after trying other treatments, it can feel like you are out of options. Spravato (esketamine) is a newer, FDA-approved nasal spray that works differently from traditional antidepressants, and for some people it opens up a new path forward.
Spravato is taken as a nasal spray in our office under the supervision of our care team. It does not involve IVs or needles, and it works on a different pathway in the brain than standard oral antidepressants.
How Spravato Works
Most oral antidepressants work on the serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine systems, and they can take weeks to build up an effect. Spravato works differently. It targets the NMDA receptor, a pathway involved in how the brain forms and adapts its connections.
Because of this different approach, some people notice a shift in how they feel sooner than they would with a traditional antidepressant. Everyone responds differently, and your care team will work closely with you to see how you respond over time.
Who Spravato Is For
Spravato is FDA-approved for adults in two situations: those with treatment-resistant depression, meaning depression that has not responded well to at least two other antidepressants, and those with major depressive disorder who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
It may be worth considering if depression has been affecting your relationships, your ability to work or go to school, or your overall quality of life. The best way to know whether it is a good fit is to talk with one of our providers.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
You will self-administer the Spravato nasal spray in our office under the supervision of a member of our care team. After your dose, you will stay with us so we can monitor how you are doing. A full appointment, including the observation period afterward, usually lasts about two and a half hours.
Because Spravato can cause temporary side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or a brief sense of detachment, you will need to arrange a ride home. You should not drive until the day after your session, following a good night of rest.
A Typical Treatment Schedule
Weeks 1 to 4
Two sessions per week as you begin treatment.
Month 2
One session per week as treatment continues.
Ongoing
Your provider adjusts the plan based on how you respond.
A typical course runs about eight to nine weeks, though the exact schedule depends on your history, your goals, and how you respond. Your care team will tailor it to you.
Why Choose A Ray of Hope
Treatment supervised by our experienced psychiatric providers
A calm, comfortable setting designed for your session
A plan built around your history and your goals
Care that can work alongside therapy, medication, or other treatments
Neurology, psychiatry, and therapy under one practice
© 2026 A Ray of Hope Neurology and Psychiatry. All rights Reserved - Accessibility Statement - Privacy Policy - Sitemap
Managed and Designed by 