Deciding on your next step after several antidepressants have not worked can feel overwhelming. You may have heard about both transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and esketamine nasal spray as treatment options and wondered how they compare, which one fits your schedule, and whether your insurance will help. Having clear answers can make that choice feel far more manageable.
Understanding the differences between TMS therapy and SPRAVATO® in Squirrel Hill starts with knowing that both are designed for people whose depression has not improved with standard antidepressants. At The Nexus Group, we offer SPRAVATO® treatment and TMS side by side, and both are covered by most major insurance plans. Our psychiatrists can walk you through each option so you can decide with confidence.
TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the mood-related areas of your brain from outside the skull. SPRAVATO® is an esketamine nasal spray that acts on glutamate, a chemical messenger involved in regulating your mood. Since each targets a different system, your history may point you toward one over the other.
If you are comparing TMS and esketamine treatment, you may want to know which conditions each one addresses. Our Apollo TMS system is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults who have not responded well to oral antidepressants and as an add-on treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
On the other hand, SPRAVATO® is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults and, alongside an oral antidepressant, for depressive symptoms in adults with MDD who have acute suicidal thoughts or actions.
When considering TMS and SPRAVATO® therapy in Squirrel Hill, it is important to think about the time and commitment involved in coming to the office for treatment. TMS sessions typically take place five days a week for about six to nine weeks, and each one lasts under an hour. You stay awake the whole time, and because there is no sedation, you can drive yourself home right after.
SPRAVATO® visits at our office follow a very different rhythm. You give yourself the nasal spray under our supervision, then remain with us for at least two hours so we can monitor your blood pressure and any side effects. Sessions start twice a week for the first month, then gradually shift to weekly or every other week, and you will need a ride home after each one.
Each option carries its own possible side effects. With TMS, you might notice scalp discomfort or a headache, especially during the first week or two. SPRAVATO® can cause temporary dissociation, dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, or a rise in blood pressure, which is why monitoring is part of every visit.
Choosing between magnetic stimulation and esketamine in Squirrel Hill is not something you have to figure out alone. Our psychiatrists consider your diagnosis, health history, schedule, and personal preferences before recommending a path. For some people, the need to arrange a ride after SPRAVATO® visits settles the question, while others prefer fewer appointments each week.
TMS and SPRAVATO® treatment each offer a meaningful way forward when standard antidepressants have not brought the relief you need. What matters most is finding the approach that fits your symptoms, your routine, and your comfort level.
To talk through the differences between TMS therapy and SPRAVATO® in Squirrel Hill with a team that provides both, reach out to The Nexus Group. We will verify your insurance coverage and schedule an appointment so you can move forward knowing your options.
