Depression can have an overwhelming effect on your life, influencing your work, sleep, thinking, and connection with the people around you. Standard antidepressant medication can bring meaningful relief, but not for everyone. When depression does not improve with typical treatment, it may be time to consider a different approach.
At The Nexus Group, SPRAVATO treatment is one option for adults who need more support for depression. We also offer outpatient services, including psychopharmacology and medication management, as well as TMS therapy. Together, these services allow us to look at your symptoms, treatment history, goals, and daily functioning before recommending a plan. This information helps us determine who can benefit from SPRAVATO treatment in Pittsburgh.
SPRAVATO is the brand name for esketamine, a prescription nasal spray used to treat certain adults with depression. It is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression in adults, either alone or with an oral antidepressant. It is also approved, with an oral antidepressant, for adults with major depressive disorder who have acute suicidal thoughts or behavior.
SPRAVATO is different from traditional antidepressants because it works on the brain’s glutamate system rather than only targeting serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine. This different pathway may make it an option for people who have not responded well to other medications.
Because SPRAVATO can cause side effects such as sedation, dissociation, and increased blood pressure, it is given in a certified medical setting. You are monitored after each dose before going home.
SPRAVATO can benefit adults who have been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression in Pittsburgh. This often means you have tried at least 2 antidepressants at an adequate dose and duration, but your symptoms have not adequately improved.
You may be a candidate if you still struggle with sadness, loss of interest, low motivation, fatigue, sleep changes, appetite changes, poor concentration, or feelings of hopelessness despite following a treatment plan.
SPRAVATO may also be considered when depression continues to interfere with work, relationships, parenting, school, or daily responsibilities. It may also be helpful for adults who need a treatment option beyond medication management alone.
SPRAVATO is not right for every person with depression. We will review your medical history, current medications, mental health symptoms, blood pressure, substance use history, and treatment goals before deciding whether it is appropriate.
Some people may be better suited for medication management, TMS, therapy referrals, or another outpatient treatment plan. The goal is not to push one treatment, but to match you with care that makes clinical sense for your needs.
SPRAVATO must be taken under medical supervision in the office. After taking the nasal spray, you stay at our office for monitoring. Most appointments take about 2 hours because we monitor you for side effects and make sure you are ready to leave safely.
You will need someone to drive you home after each treatment. You should not drive or operate machinery until the next day after a restful sleep.
Your provider will explain the treatment schedule, what to expect during each visit, and how progress will be measured. Over time, your care team may adjust your broader treatment plan based on your response.
If depression has not improved with standard treatment, you may still have options. During an appointment with The Nexus Group, we determine who can benefit from SPRAVATO treatment in Pittsburgh based on established criteria.
We ensure you understand whether SPRAVATO, TMS, medication management, or another outpatient service is the best fit for your symptoms and goals. Call today.
