NeuroStar® TMS Therapy
FDA-cleared, non-medication depression treatment
Does SPRAVATO® Work? A Look at What the Evidence Says
Understanding how SPRAVATO® works, what clinical evidence shows, and whether it can help adults with treatment-resistant depression find relief.
When someone struggles with depression that hasn’t responded to multiple antidepressants, treatment-resistant depression can feel like a dead end. In recent years, SPRAVATO® (esketamine) nasal spray has emerged as an alternative to traditional antidepressants that can provide fast-acting relief of depressive symptoms.* Naturally, the question “Does SPRAVATO® actually work?” arises. Let’s break down the evidence, how it works, and what patients can expect from a SPRAVATO® treatment session at Greenbrook.
What is SPRAVATO®?
SPRAVATO® is the brand name for esketamine, a nasal spray. It is FDA-approved specifically for adults with:
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior in conjunction with an oral antidepressant
SPRAVATO® works differently from traditional antidepressants. Instead of primarily targeting serotonin or norepinephrine, it modulates glutamate neurotransmission – a mechanism linked to increased synaptic connectivity and neuroplasticity.
Because SPRAVATO® can cause sedation, dissociation, and other acute effects, it is administered in a clinical setting, with monitored medical professional supervision under a structured program called a REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) center.
Effectiveness in Clinical Research
Unlike traditional antidepressants that often take multiple weeks and even months to take effect, many SPRAVATO® patients report changes in as little as 24 hours. *
In a controlled study found that patients receiving SPRAVATO® plus an oral antidepressant had significantly higher remission rates at 4 weeks, compared to those receiving placebo plus an antidepressant.1
So even though the members of the placebo group were on an antidepressant, they still had a considerably lower response rate than the group of patients receiving SPRAVATO®.
Why Choose Greenbrook for Your SPRAVATO® Treatment
Greenbrook is the largest provider of SPRAVATO® in the U.S. and we are the depression experts, but don’t just take our word for it. Hear from some of our SPRAVATO® patients:
“The Spravato treatments I get here are amazing and they keep you wonderfully comfortable during treatment. Low light, comfy cushy chairs, blankets and lollipops (Spravato tastes terrible). Doctor Wu is VERY knowledgeable when it comes to neuroscience and keeps up with all the latest discoveries and breakthroughs, along with her team, they do a phenomenal job making my treatments go super smooth. I've seen such an improvement in my symptoms since starting Spravato.” - 5-Star Google Review
“Spravato is intense and vulnerable work, but the team at Greenbrook has made it feel manageable—even healing. Bri, Devyn, Kelly, and Katelyn show up with consistency, kindness, and presence. They don’t just check boxes—they actually care. I’ve felt safe to unravel when I needed to, and supported through every phase of this process. Dr. Borst has also been attentive, thoughtful, and direct in a way I’ve really appreciated. This isn’t an easy treatment, but being surrounded by this team has made all the difference.” - 5-Star Google Review
“SPRAVATO® isn’t scary, but it's something that opens your eyes to parts of yourself that you couldn’t otherwise see. I feel like my depression has lifted. My wife sees the results. Other people see the results and I certainly have.” - Andrew S., Patient Advocate
In Summary
So, is SPRAVATO® effective? Yes!
Clinical research and patient testimonials show that SPRAVATO® can provide relief to those who have been struggling with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
At Greenbrook, our mission is your remission from depression. You can explore your options for depression treatment risk-free with a no-cost consultation.
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