Spravato for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Asheville, NC

Spravato may be considered for adults with treatment-resistant depression when standard antidepressant treatments have not provided adequate symptom relief. Before treatment begins, a clinical evaluation is needed to review previous therapies, current symptoms, overall health, and potential risk factors that could affect whether Spravato is appropriate.

You may qualify for Spravato treatment if:

• Previous antidepressants have not provided enough relief: Patients with treatment-resistant depression typically have persistent symptoms despite adequate trials of multiple antidepressant medications.

• A clinical evaluation confirms eligibility: The assessment may include a review of psychiatric history, previous treatments, current medications, medical conditions, and overall treatment goals.

• There are no major contraindications: Certain cardiovascular or cerebrovascular conditions, a history of intracerebral hemorrhage, or an allergy to esketamine may affect eligibility.

• You can participate in supervised treatment: Spravato is administered in a certified healthcare setting, where patients are monitored after each dose for potential effects such as sedation, dissociation, or changes in blood pressure.

• Your overall mental health needs are appropriate for treatment: The clinical team will consider other psychiatric conditions, substance use concerns, and additional health factors before recommending therapy.

At Ascension Solutions Treatment, our team conducts an individualized assessment to determine whether Spravato is an appropriate option for treatment-resistant depression. We consider each patient’s symptoms, previous treatment response, medical history, and ongoing mental health needs to develop a personalized treatment approach focused on safety and appropriate clinical monitoring.

Spravato (esketamine) differs from traditional antidepressants because it works primarily through the brain’s glutamate system rather than focusing mainly on serotonin or norepinephrine pathways. It acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist and may produce improvement in depressive symptoms more quickly for some patients than conventional antidepressants, which often require several weeks before their full effects are evaluated.

Spravato is generally considered for adults with treatment-resistant depression when previous antidepressant treatments have not provided adequate symptom relief. Unlike most traditional depression medications that are taken at home daily, Spravato is administered as a nasal spray in a certified healthcare setting. Patients remain under medical observation after each treatment because temporary effects such as sedation, dissociation, dizziness, nausea, or increased blood pressure may occur.

At Ascension Solutions Treatment, our clinical team carefully evaluates each patient’s treatment history, symptoms, overall health, and response to previous therapies before recommending Spravato. Each treatment session includes supervised administration and monitoring for at least two hours, with ongoing assessments used to determine treatment frequency and continued appropriateness. This structured approach helps provide personalized care for patients managing treatment-resistant depression.

Patients undergoing a monitored Spravato treatment session can expect a structured process focused on safety, comfort, and careful observation. At Ascension Solutions Treatment, our clinical team guides patients through each step of the visit, from preparation and medication administration to post-treatment monitoring and discharge.

• Arrival and preparation: Our team reviews your current health status, confirms that you are ready for treatment, and answers any questions before the session begins.

• Spravato administration: You will self-administer Spravato nasal spray under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals in a private treatment setting.

• Monitoring period: After administration, you will remain at the clinic for approximately two hours. During this time, our clinicians monitor your blood pressure and overall condition while watching for possible effects such as dizziness, sedation, nausea, or dissociation.

• Comfort and rest: Patients are encouraged to relax during the observation period in a calm environment while the medication’s effects are monitored.
Discharge assessment: Before leaving, our team evaluates how you are feeling and determines whether you are ready for discharge.

• Transportation home: Because Spravato may temporarily affect alertness and coordination, patients must arrange transportation home and should not drive or operate machinery until after a restful night’s sleep.

At Ascension Solutions Treatment, our team provides close supervision throughout each Spravato session and adjusts ongoing care based on individual response, tolerability, and treatment progress.

The number of Spravato treatments needed for depression symptoms can vary depending on how each patient responds to therapy. Treatment typically begins with an induction phase, during which Spravato is administered twice weekly for the first four weeks. This early stage allows the clinical team to monitor symptom changes, tolerability, and overall response to treatment.

After the induction phase, treatment frequency is usually reduced. Many patients receive Spravato once weekly during weeks five through eight, followed by weekly or every-other-week treatments based on individual progress. Ongoing assessments help determine whether treatment frequency should remain the same, decrease, or be adjusted according to symptom control and clinical needs.

At Ascension Solutions Treatment, our team personalizes each Spravato treatment plan based on the patient’s response, treatment history, and ongoing mental health needs. Regular evaluations help guide the length and frequency of therapy while supporting continued symptom management. Some patients may notice improvement earlier in treatment, while others may require longer-term maintenance care.

Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD, begins Spravato care by reviewing each patient’s depression symptoms, previous treatment history, current medications, overall health, and response to prior antidepressant therapies. This individualized evaluation helps determine whether Spravato may be appropriate for treatment-resistant depression and allows the treatment plan to reflect the patient’s clinical needs and goals. Spravato is FDA-approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression and is administered under medical supervision.

At Ascension Solutions Treatment in Asheville, NC, our team provides structured support throughout each Spravato treatment visit, including appropriate monitoring before and after administration and ongoing assessment of how the patient is responding. Patients must be observed for at least two hours after receiving Spravato because of potential effects such as sedation, dissociation, respiratory depression, and blood pressure changes. Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD, can adjust the ongoing care approach based on treatment response, tolerability, and individual clinical considerations.

For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 875 A Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805. We serve patients from Asheville NC, Weaverville NC, Arden NC, Candler NC, Swannanoa NC, Woodfin NC, and the surrounding areas.