For individuals living with depression, finding the right treatment can be a long and emotionally exhausting journey. Depression affects millions of people worldwide, making it a serious and widespread condition. While traditional antidepressants have helped many people, some individuals have not found relief with these medications, highlighting the need for alternatives like SPRAVATO, or esketamine. If you live in Kirkland or Vancouver, WA, the Portland metro, or Salem, and have struggled to find relief, there’s good news: newer, evidence-based treatment options are available, such as SPRAVATO (esketamine), an FDA-approved medication for treatment-resistant depression.
At Active Path Mental Health, we specialize in a combination of medication management, talk therapy, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Spravato. With our expanding services and deep commitment to sustainable wellness, we’re here to help you compare Spravato and more traditional options and to guide you through the variety of treatment options available for depression, so you can make informed decisions about your mental health journey.
If traditional antidepressants haven’t worked, let’s talk about what will work—schedule your personalized evaluation with Active Path or call 503.719.4648.
Understanding SPRAVATO
SPRAVATO (esketamine) is a prescription nasal spray derived from ketamine, a well-known anesthetic. It was approved by the FDA in 2019 specifically for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) accompanied by suicidal thoughts. Unlike most antidepressants, SPRAVATO is not taken at home or daily. Instead, patients receive treatment in a medical office (a REMS-certified center) where SPRAVATO treatment is administered under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Healthcare providers are present to ensure safety during and after administration, monitoring for potential side effects, including increased blood pressure. This process is especially important with each treatment session to ensure safety and proper response.
What sets SPRAVATO apart is its rapid onset of action. Many patients report symptom relief within hours or days after the first treatment—an important feature for those who are in acute emotional distress or have tried other treatments without success.
The Traditional Route: Antidepressants 101
Most people are familiar with common antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, and Cymbalta. These medications are part of two major classes: serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SSRIs target serotonin, while SNRIs target norepinephrine. These traditional antidepressants primarily work by targeting serotonin and norepinephrine pathways in the brain to help regulate mood.
Most conventional antidepressants are taken as oral antidepressants in pill form and require consistent use for effectiveness. Traditional antidepressant treatments are typically taken daily and usually require several weeks, often four to six weeks, to take full effect. While many individuals experience relief, research indicates that up to one-third of patients may not respond adequately to these medications. For others, common side effects such as fatigue, sexual dysfunction, or emotional numbness can interfere with daily life or lead to discontinuation.
How SPRAVATO Works Differently
SPRAVATO (esketamine) has a novel mechanism of action compared to traditional antidepressants. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which primarily target serotonin and norepinephrine pathways, SPRAVATO acts on the glutamate system and specifically targets the NMDA receptor. This innovative approach, as a newer treatment for depression, leads to rapid antidepressant effects and noticeable effects within hours or days, which is one of the most significant differences between SPRAVATO and traditional antidepressants.
By modulating the NMDA receptor, SPRAVATO promotes the growth of new neural connections in the brain, supporting neural plasticity and restoring function in areas associated with mood and emotional regulation. These significant differences in mechanism and speed of action make SPRAVATO a new treatment option for those seeking effective depression treatment, especially when other medications have failed.
Who Might Benefit from SPRAVATO for Treatment-Resistant Depression?
SPRAVATO is not intended as a first-line treatment for depression. Instead, it’s reserved for individuals who have not responded adequately to at least two traditional antidepressants. SPRAVATO is a treatment option for those experiencing treatment-resistant depression, as well as for patients with major depressive disorder and active suicidal ideation, where fast-acting treatment is essential. It is also considered for individuals experiencing severe depression or severe depressive episodes, who may require rapid symptom relief when other treatment options have failed. Spravato is now FDA-approved as monotherapy, meaning patients do not need to be on an oral antidepressant while on esketamine.
If you’ve been on the “medication rollercoaster”, trying one antidepressant after another with little to no success, SPRAVATO may offer hope as an innovative treatment option. At Active Path, our team provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations to determine whether you’re a good candidate for SPRAVATO, emphasizing personalized care and often incorporating it as part of a broader strategy that may include talk therapy or medication management, ensuring all treatment options are considered to best meet your individual needs.
What the Treatment Experience Is Like
Because of its unique effects and safety profile, SPRAVATO must be administered at a REMS-certified treatment center. At Active Path Mental Health, we provide this service by trained medical professionals overseeing every session to help you achieve depression relief.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Provider Evaluation: Before starting treatment, you’ll undergo a thorough assessment to confirm eligibility.
- In-Clinic Administration: SPRAVATO is self-administered via nasal spray under clinical supervision.
- Post-Treatment Monitoring: You’ll stay in the clinic for two hours after each dose so we can monitor your blood pressure, alertness, any dissociative symptoms, and changes in depressive symptoms. Some patients may experience immediate relief or significant mood improvements shortly after treatment.
- Ongoing Support: As treatment continues, the frequency of sessions typically decreases, and at eight weeks, with shared decision making, our providers willadjust the treatment plan based on your individual progress and feedback.
Why Oregon and Washington Residents Trust Active Path Mental Health
Active Path has expanded services in NW Portland and Tigard to better serve patients in Portland. We’ve built a reputation for offering compassionate, forward-thinking care grounded in the latest science.
Our healthcare providers understand that depression is deeply personal. That’s why we meet each patient with empathy, expertise, and a deep commitment to helping you find what works—even if it means trying something new like SPRAVATO (esketamine). We help patients make informed decisions about their mental health care, ensuring they understand all available treatment options.
Taking the Next Step Toward Healing
If you’ve been living with depression and feel like nothing has worked, it’s time to explore new options. SPRAVATO may be the breakthrough you’ve been searching for, especially if traditional antidepressants have left you feeling discouraged or stuck.
At Active Path Mental Health, we’re here to walk with you through every stage of your healing journey. Our team will help you navigate your options, monitor your progress, and support your overall well-being. Whether you’re just beginning your mental health journey or seeking new answers after years of struggle, know that you are not alone, and real relief is possible.
Spravato is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Insurance coverage can play a significant role in your access to SPRAVATO and other treatments, and our clinic can verify your benefits so you know what to expect.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Are you ready to take the first step? Contact Active Path Mental Health to schedule a consultation and learn more about SPRAVATO, TMS, and our comprehensive approach to treating depression and anxiety. We’re proud to serve Oregon and Washington with expert care that is both innovative and compassionate.
Your path to wellness starts here—and we’re honored to be a part of it.
Ready to explore SPRAVATO for treatment-resistant depression? Schedule your consultation with Active Path or call 503.719.4648 today.
