When your symptoms of depression do not respond to traditional medications, it can feel discouraging. The good news is that advanced treatment options are available. Two of the most effective alternatives are Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and SPRAVATO. Although both are designed to help treatment-resistant depression, they work in different ways.
Treatment-resistant depression is diagnosed when you have major depressive disorder that has not adequately improved after taking at least two traditional antidepressant medications. Understanding the differences between TMS therapy and SPRAVATO can help you make a more informed treatment decision.
TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of your brain associated with mood regulation. During your treatment sessions, a device is placed near your scalp, delivering targeted magnetic energy to activate underactive brain cells.
TMS does not require anesthesia. You stay awake and alert throughout treatment, and normally return to your daily activities immediately after each session. TMS works by stimulating brain cells and thereby improving communication between brain regions involved in mood control. These are some of the factors that may be different between SPRAVATO and TMS.
SPRAVATO is a prescription nasal spray that is derived from esketamine, a form of ketamine. It was FDA-cleared in 2019, specifically for adults with treatment-resistant depression, and is used with an oral antidepressant to get optimal results.
Unlike TMS, SPRAVATO works chemically. It is delivered by a nasal spray. The medication targets glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in mood and brain function. This mechanism increases the action of traditional antidepressants.
Because SPRAVATO can cause temporary side effects such as sedation or dissociation, it must be administered in a certified medical setting. After you have administered the spray, you are monitored for at least two hours after each session.
While both TMS therapy and SPRAVATO are effective, their differences come down to approach, experience, and patient preference.
TMS is completely non-invasive and does not use medication. It is often preferred when you want to avoid more medications or have experienced unpleasant side effects without reducing symptoms of depression.
SPRAVATO, on the other hand, is medication-based and may offer faster symptom relief for some patients. However, it also requires in-office monitoring after administration, and you cannot drive after each appointment because of the temporary cognitive effects.
In terms of treatment schedules, TMS typically involves multiple sessions per week over several weeks, while SPRAVATO follows a structured dosing schedule for several weeks that tapers over time.
Choosing the right treatment between TMS and SPRAVATO depends on several factors, including your medical history, treatment goals, and how your body has responded to past therapies.
If you prefer a non-medication approach with minimal downtime, TMS is a strong option. If you are seeking a fast-acting treatment and are comfortable with a medication-based approach, SPRAVATO is worth considering.
At The Nexus Group, your care begins with a comprehensive appointment focused on understanding your needs. Providers evaluate your symptoms, treatment history, and overall health to recommend the most appropriate path forward. In addition to TMS and SPRAVATO, outpatient services such as psychopharmacology and medication management are available to support your long-term progress.
Living with depression can feel overwhelming, especially when past treatments have not worked. Advanced therapies are changing what is possible for many people. Call today to schedule your consultation and learn more about the differences between TMS therapy and SPRAVATO.
The key is finding the right approach for you. With the right guidance and a personalized treatment plan, meaningful improvement is within your reach.
