What is Spravato and Why is It So Effective for Treating Depression?

Depression doesn’t always shout. Sometimes, it whispers—that this is just how life is now; nothing will ever change.

It convinces you that no amount of therapy, medication, or self-care will ever make a difference. It makes even the idea of hope feel exhausting.

If you’ve tried everything—the meds, the mindfulness, the long walks where you try to feel something—Spravato may be the thing that changes everything.

This blog breaks down what Spravato is, how it works, and why it’s giving people a second chance at life. 

Why Traditional Antidepressants Don’t Work for Everyone

Depression is one of the most misunderstood illnesses. It’s not just sadness, nor is it too much or too little of a certain neurotransmitter. Over 65% of the population who are prescribed meds,don't respond to traditional antidepressants. They have what’s known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD)—meaning they’ve tried at least two different antidepressants with no real relief.

Understanding the Brain’s Two Major Networks 

The human brain operates through two key networks that regulate mental health: 

How Your Brain’s Networks Shape Mental Health – And How to Reset Them

Have you ever found yourself stuck in an endless loop of negative thoughts? Or maybe you struggle to stay focused, feeling like your brain is constantly drifting? Two key brain networks control these patterns: the Default Mode Network (DMN) and the Task Positive Network (TPN). When these networks are out of balance, they can contribute to mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and cognitive fog.

Understanding the Brain’s Two Major Networks

The Default Mode Network (DMN) is responsible for self-referential thinking and memory formation. It becomes active when daydreaming, mind-wandering, or reflecting on yourself and your past. While the DMN is essential for creativity and introspection, an overactive DMN can lead to excessive rumination, making it difficult to escape negative thought loops—something commonly seen in depression and anxiety.

On the other hand, the Task Positive Network (TPN) helps with problem-solving, planning, and focus. Think of it as your brain’s mission control center, keeping you engaged in tasks and helping you switch between ideas. When the TPN is underactive, people often experience poor cognitive flexibility, low motivation, and difficulty concentrating.

The Problem: An Overactive DMN

For many individuals struggling with mental health disorders, there’s a persistent imbalance between these two networks. An overactive DMN, combined with an underactive TPN, can result in overwhelming negative thoughts, emotional distress, and a sense of being stuck in a mental fog. This imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Early childhood trauma and PTSD – Traumatic experiences can over-activate the DMN, reinforcing negative thought patterns.
• Chronic stress and anxiety – High-stress levels weaken the TPN, making it harder to focus and problem-solve.
• Genetic factors affecting serotonin pathways – Some individuals are biologically predisposed to increased DMN activity, making them more susceptible to mood disorders.

Neuroplasticity: A New Path to Healing

Traditional antidepressants focus on chemical imbalances, but new treatments take a different approach—enhancing neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reshape itself. This allows individuals to break free from entrenched negative thought patterns and form healthier cognitive connections.

A key player in this process is the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein that supports brain cell growth and repair. Treatments that boost BDNF levels can help reverse the damage caused by stress and trauma, leading to long-term improvements in mental health.

Read our blog for a deeper dive into how novel treatments like Spravato, TMS, and Psilocybins rewire the mind.

What Is Spravato, and Why Is It Different?

Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors, increasing glutamate release and stimulating BDNF production. This disrupts negative thought loops by resetting the DMN, providing rapid relief—often within hours. It’s particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation.

• Spravato (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression.
  • 22.5% of patients achieved remission in clinical trials at week 4, compared to only 7.6% in the placebo group.
  • Instead of working on serotonin, it targets NMDA receptors in the brain, helping rewire how you process emotions.
  • It’s done in a medical setting—you won’t be left on your own. Each session is supervised to ensure your safety and comfort.
• After an initial induction period of 2 months, patients come into the clinic for a session every few weeks to maintain remission of symptoms, rather than taking a daily pill. 
• Traditional side effects from antidepressants like weight gain and sexual dysfunction don’t occur as the half-life of Spravato is only 2 hours. 

Read our Patient Guide to Ketamine Treatment for more information. 

Who Can Benefit from Spravato?

So, who exactly is Spravato meant for? If you've been feeling hopeless, here’s how to know if this treatment is right for you. 

Spravato is designed for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts.

You might be a candidate if:
✅ You’ve tried two or more antidepressants without success (depending on your insurance plan).
✅ You experience suicidal thoughts or severe depressive episodes.
✅ You need a treatment that works fast to help stabilize your symptoms.

The best part? Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover Spravato. 

How Do You Get The Most Out Of A Spravato Treatment?

Starting Spravato can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. 

In this video, Axis Integrated Mental Health’s CEO, Chris Perez, shares expert tips on preparing for treatment and making the most of every session.

Real Patients, REAL Results

Hearing from real people who’ve gone through Spravato treatment can make all the difference. 

One of our patients shared this advice for anyone feeling hesitant:

“My advice? Just give it a shot. I know it can feel intimidating at first, but the biggest step is simply trying it and seeing what happens. What helped me most was wearing clothes I felt comfortable in. 

You can bring something familiar. I brought my stuffed animal which made me feel safe. Having that little piece of comfort made a big difference, reminding me that no matter what, I had something to ground me. 

Anything that physically helps you feel at ease is worth bringing.”

You can get more patient insights and expert-backed tips with our free guide. 

download here

Where Can You Get Spravato Treatment?

Spravato is available at certified treatment centers like Axis Integrated Mental Health across the U.S. (Spravato). 

To find a center near you, search by ZIP Code or City, or State on their website.

Breaking the Cycle of Depression—For Good

If you’re reading this, you’re already taking the first step. And that means something.

Because depression lies. It tells you nothing will ever get better. It tells you this is just how life is.

It’s not.

New treatments like Spravato are changing lives every day. If you’ve been struggling with depression and nothing has worked, it’s time to explore a new path.

✅ Book an intake within 7 days
✅ Call us at 720.400.7025 for expert guidance
✅ Read real patient success stories → Our Patient Success Stories on YouTube

You are not out of options. Help is closer than you think. Take the first step today.