Spravato Treatment
If you’ve been struggling with depression that hasn’t improved with traditional medications, you’re not alone—and there is hope. At Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry, we offer Spravato treatment, an FDA-approved therapy for treatment-resistant depression and depression with suicidal thoughts.
Spravato is delivered in a calm, monitored setting and always paired with therapeutic support to help you feel safe, supported, and empowered on your path to healing.
What Is Spravato?
Spravato is a prescription nasal spray that contains esketamine, a medication related to ketamine. It’s FDA-approved for adults with:
- Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)—when two or more antidepressants haven’t worked
- Major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Spravato works differently than traditional antidepressants. Instead of targeting serotonin, it affects the brain’s glutamate system, which plays a role in mood, learning, and emotional regulation. Many patients experience relief from depressive symptoms—even when other treatments haven’t helped.
Who Is Spravato For?
You may be a candidate for Spravato treatment if you:
- Have tried two or more antidepressants without meaningful relief
- Continue to experience severe depression despite therapy and medication
- Have frequent thoughts of hopelessness or suicidal ideation
- Are looking for an alternative to traditional medications
Our psychiatric providers will work with you to determine whether Spravato is appropriate based on your mental health history, current symptoms, and overall treatment goals.
What to Expect During Spravato Treatment
Spravato is administered in-office under direct supervision in a quiet, private room. Here’s what the process looks like:
- Preparation – Before your appointment, we’ll review your symptoms, medications, and vital signs to ensure safety.
- Administration – You self-administer the Spravato nasal spray under the guidance of a medical provider.
- Observation – After administration, you’ll remain in our care for approximately 2 hours for monitoring. We’ll check in on your blood pressure, mental state, and comfort throughout.
- Aftercare – You’ll need a ride home after each session. You should not drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day.
Spravato is typically administered twice per week for the first month, followed by less frequent maintenance sessions if improvement is observed.
Why Choose Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry for Spravato?
We don’t just administer Spravato—we support your entire healing process. That means:
- Comprehensive evaluations to determine if Spravato is right for you
- Ongoing therapy and medication management alongside treatment
- A calm, comfortable treatment environment
- Consistent monitoring and clear communication with your care team
We’ll be by your side, every step of the way.
When Other Treatments Haven’t Worked, You Still Have Options
Living with depression can feel hopeless—but new, research-backed treatments like Spravato offer another path forward. If you’re ready to explore something different, we’re here to help you take the next step.
Victoria Canelos, MD
Betsy Myers, DO
Kristine Norris, DO
Yue Zong, MD
Chandan Nayak, MD
Spravato works on the brain’s glutamate system, rather than serotonin like most antidepressants. This can lead to faster symptom relief—often within hours or days—especially for people whose depression hasn’t responded to other treatments.
Spravato is approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depression with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you’ve tried two or more antidepressants without success, you may be eligible. Our providers will assess your history to see if Spravato is right for you.
Yes. Spravato is FDA-approved and administered under medical supervision. During each session, we monitor your vital signs, mental state, and overall comfort to ensure safety. Like any medication, it can have side effects, which we’ll review with you in detail before starting.
Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, dissociation (feeling disconnected), and increased blood pressure. These typically wear off within a few hours. You’ll be monitored closely during each session to manage any symptoms that arise.
No. You cannot drive or operate machinery until the next day. You’ll need a trusted adult to drive you home after each treatment.
Treatment typically starts with two sessions per week for four weeks, then gradually decreases to weekly or biweekly maintenance. The duration depends on how well you respond and your overall treatment goals.