Spravato

Spravato services offered in Austin, TX

Depression can feel heavy, persistent, and difficult to treat, especially when standard medications or therapy haven’t provided enough relief. For individuals living with treatment-resistant depression, Spravato offers a different approach. At Sana Psychiatry in Austin, Texas, Karissa Dungy, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, provides careful evaluation and supervised treatment with Spravato through in-person and telehealth settings. By targeting brain pathways differently than traditional antidepressants, Spravato can help patients experience meaningful improvement when other options haven’t worked. To learn more, request an appointment by phone or online today.

Spravato Q & A

What is Spravato?

Spravato is an FDA-approved prescription nasal spray derived from esketamine, a form of ketamine. It’s specifically designed for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts.

Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to work, Spravato acts on different receptors in the brain, helping to restore connections that affect mood and emotional regulation. Because of its unique mechanism, it’s often used alongside an oral antidepressant as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

How does Spravato treatment work?

Spravato is administered in-office under medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness. During each visit, you self-administer the nasal spray while your provider closely monitors you. After treatment, you remain in the office for observation—typically about two hours—while the medication takes effect.

Treatment usually follows a structured schedule, with more frequent visits at the beginning and gradually spaced visits as symptoms improve. Karissa carefully tracks your response and adjusts your plan as needed, ensuring your care is personalized and supportive.

What conditions can Spravato help treat?

Spravato is primarily used for:

Treatment-resistant depression (when multiple antidepressants haven’t been effective)
Major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or behaviors

For individuals who have struggled to find relief, Spravato can offer a new path forward by addressing depression from a different angle.

What are the benefits of Spravato?

Many patients choose Spravato because it may provide faster relief than traditional medications. Benefits may include:

Improvement in mood and emotional stability
Reduction in depressive symptoms
Relief from persistent negative thoughts
Enhanced ability to engage in daily activities

While results vary, some patients begin to notice improvements within weeks of starting treatment.

What should patients expect during and after treatment?

During treatment, you may feel relaxed, mildly dissociated, or experience changes in perception. These effects are temporary and typically resolve before you leave the office.

Because of these effects, patients need someone to drive them home after each session.

After treatment, many people experience gradual improvements in mood and outlook. Follow-up care is an important part of the process, helping maintain results and adjust treatment as needed.

When should someone consider Spravato?

If you’ve tried multiple antidepressants without significant improvement, or if depression continues to interfere with your daily life, Spravato may be an option worth exploring. It’s especially helpful for those seeking an alternative approach when traditional treatments haven’t been enough.

At Sana Psychiatry, care is thoughtful, individualized, and focused on helping you feel better in a safe and supportive environment.

Request an appointment by phone or online today to find out if Spravato is right for you and take the next step toward relief and renewed hope. Telehealth appointments are available.