Spravato for depression in McDonough GA
- Moe | Scarlet Plus
- Oct 14
- 7 min read
Depression can make each day feel heavy. When standard pills do not help, you deserve another path. Spravato for depression is an FDA approved nasal medicine for adults who live with Treatment Resistant Depression. It is also approved to treat depressive symptoms in adults with Major Depressive Disorder who have acute suicidal thoughts or behavior. These uses are based on the latest FDA label update from January 2025. For Treatment Resistant Depression it can be used alone or with an oral antidepressant.
For depressive symptoms with acute suicidal thoughts or behavior it is used with an oral antidepressant. (FDA Access Data)
At Optimal Mind Psychiatry in McDonough Georgia, our team provides Spravato in a calm and private setting. You receive care from trained clinicians who guide every step and monitor you until you are ready to go home. (Optimal Psychiatry)
Who Spravato is for
Spravato is for adults with Treatment Resistant Depression. That means depression that has not improved after at least two adequate trials of antidepressant medicines. This definition is widely used in research and policy reviews. (Effective Healthcare)
Spravato is also used for adults who have Major Depressive Disorder with acute suicidal thoughts or behavior. In this case the medicine is given with an oral antidepressant and as part of full standard care. The FDA has not shown that Spravato prevents suicide. Hospital care may still be needed based on clinical judgment. (FDA Access Data)
If you are unsure about your diagnosis, the National Institute of Mental Health offers plain language guides on depression signs, diagnosis, and treatments. (National Institute of Mental Health)
What Spravato is and how it works
Spravato is esketamine as a nasal spray. Esketamine acts on NMDA receptors in the brain. This pathway is different from common antidepressants that target serotonin or norepinephrine. Many people feel symptom relief early in care. In clinical trials, improvement on a standard mood scale was seen as early as day two after the first dose and continued through four weeks. (FDA Access Data)
Because Spravato can cause sedation and dissociation, it is given only in certified clinics under a safety program called REMS. You will be monitored for at least two hours after each session. A clinician checks your breathing, blood pressure, and overall readiness before you leave. You should not drive or operate machinery until the next day after a full night of sleep. (FDA Access Data)
Dosing plan you can expect
Your exact plan is tailored by your clinician. The FDA label outlines a clear schedule for Treatment Resistant Depression. Weeks one to four use twice weekly dosing. Weeks five to eight use weekly dosing. After week nine, dosing is every two weeks or once weekly based on how you do. Each treatment uses either 56 milligrams or 84 milligrams. Your clinician adjusts based on response and tolerance. At the end of four weeks your team reviews the benefit before continuing. (FDA Access Data)
For depressive symptoms in Major Depressive Disorder with acute suicidal thoughts or behavior, the recommended dose is 84 milligrams twice a week for four weeks. Some people may use 56 milligrams if they do not tolerate the higher dose. Treatment beyond four weeks for this use has not been well studied. An oral antidepressant is used with Spravato during this period. (FDA Access Data)
Your visit at Optimal Mind Psychiatry
Our McDonough clinic delivers care in a private room with one on one guidance. A clinician teaches the nasal technique and supports you during the session. You then rest while staff observe you and check for side effects like dizziness or a rise in blood pressure. You will need a ride home. Many people find the setting quiet and supportive which helps the process feel safe. (Optimal Psychiatry)
We are located at 1505 Pennsylvania Ave McDonough GA 30253. You can request an appointment online or by phone. (Optimal Psychiatry)
Safety, monitoring, and common effects
Your safety comes first. Spravato can cause sedation, dissociation, feeling disconnected, dizziness, nausea, and a temporary rise in blood pressure. These effects are the reason for in clinic use with at least two hours of monitoring. Your clinician will check blood pressure before and after the dose. If your blood pressure is high at baseline the team weighs risks and benefits. If it remains high, extra monitoring or medical care may be needed. (FDA Access Data)
Spravato has a boxed warning for sedation, dissociation, respiratory depression, risk of abuse or misuse, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young patients. Use is restricted to certified settings under the REMS safety program. (FDA Access Data)
The FDA label also advises no driving or work with machines until the next day after restful sleep. Plan your ride before each session. (FDA Access Data)
Who should not receive Spravato
Spravato is not for everyone. It should not be used in people with aneurysmal vascular disease or arteriovenous malformation. It should not be used in people with a history of intracerebral hemorrhage. It should not be used in anyone with a known allergy to esketamine or ketamine. (FDA Access Data)
There are special cautions for pregnancy and breastfeeding. The label warns about embryo fetal risk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using Spravato. Your clinician can review family planning and timing. (FDA Access Data)
How a session feels
Most people sit or recline in a comfortable chair in a quiet room. A clinician helps you use the nasal device. You may feel light headed or detached from your surroundings. You may feel drowsy. Many people choose to rest with eyes closed. Staff remain nearby and check on you often. You can ask for help at any time. Once you are stable and alert you can leave with your arranged ride. Optimal Mind Psychiatry designs the setting to be calm and private so you feel supported from start to finish. (Optimal Psychiatry)
How fast relief can begin
Spravato is known for rapid mood relief in many adults with Treatment Resistant Depression. In a key trial with monotherapy, symptom scores improved within about 24 hours after the first dose and remained improved through day 28.
In studies of people with acute suicidal thoughts or behavior, improvement in depressive symptoms at 24 hours was greater with Spravato plus standard care than with placebo plus standard care. Your clinician tracks your symptom change over the first four weeks to decide next steps. (FDA Access Data)
Spravato for depression versus standard pills
Spravato uses a different brain pathway than standard pills. This gives another option when pills alone have not worked. Some people prefer a supervised in clinic treatment that does not require daily dosing. Others prefer daily pills at home. Your history, medical risks, and personal goals will guide the plan. NIMH provides helpful background on depression and treatment choices that you can review with your clinician. (National Institute of Mental Health)
How Optimal Mind Psychiatry personalises Spravato for depression in McDonough GA
You receive a full psychiatric evaluation before the first session. We confirm your diagnosis, your past medication trials, and your current safety needs. We check medical history such as blood pressure problems or vascular risks. During treatment we adjust dose and schedule to the least frequent plan that still keeps you well. We also coordinate therapy and follow up visits so you gain skills and support beyond the clinic day. Our goal is steady relief with the fewest side effects. The dosing plan and the focus on the least frequent effective schedule are aligned with the FDA label. (FDA Access Data)
Practical tips to get ready
Arrive with a ride arranged. Avoid a heavy meal for at least two hours before the session and limit liquids for thirty minutes before the session. Wear comfortable clothes. Plan a quiet evening after the visit. Your team will give clear aftercare steps and a number to call with questions. These preparation steps are based on FDA guidance. (FDA Access Data)
Frequently asked questions
Will my depression improve right away
Many people feel some relief in the first few sessions. Some feel it within a day. Others take more time. Your team will measure your symptoms and adjust as needed. The FDA trials showed early and sustained improvement over four weeks in many adults. (FDA Access Data)
Can I keep taking my current medicines
For Treatment Resistant Depression, Spravato may be used alone or with an oral antidepressant. For depressive symptoms in Major Depressive Disorder with acute suicidal thoughts or behavior, it must be used with an oral antidepressant. Your clinician will review each medicine you take to avoid risky combinations. (FDA Access Data)
Is Spravato safe long term
Your team reviews benefit and risk at the end of the first month. Ongoing care uses the least frequent schedule that keeps you well. The label includes long term safety monitoring plans which your clinician follows. (FDA Access Data)
Can I do this by telehealth
Evaluation visits can be done by telehealth when appropriate. The medicine itself must be given in the clinic due to monitoring needs and the REMS program. Optimal Mind Psychiatry provides the certified setting you need in McDonough. (Optimal Psychiatry)
Why choose Optimal Mind Psychiatry in McDonough
You receive evidence based care, clear education, and close monitoring. You get a quiet private room and a team that stays with you. We serve adults across McDonough and nearby communities in Henry County. We welcome referrals and also accept self scheduled visits. You can learn more on our Spravato page and book online. (Optimal Psychiatry)
Take the next step
If standard pills have not helped, Spravato for depression in McDonough GA may offer a new path. Our team at Optimal Mind Psychiatry is ready to evaluate your case and design a plan that fits your needs and goals. Request a consultation today in McDonough and ask about our Spravato program. We will guide you with care from the first visit to each follow up. (Optimal Psychiatry)
Helpful outbound resources
Learn the current FDA approved uses, dosing, monitoring rules, and safety information from the official label. (FDA Access Data)
Read a plain language overview of depression from the National Institute of Mental Health. (National Institute of Mental Health)
