The Latest News: FDA Approves Spravato As A Standalone Treatment For Treatment-Resistant Depression
February 03, 2025
The Counseling Center Reaches Major Turning Point In Mental Health Care
If you’ve been grappling with depression and other treatments haven’t helped, hope is now within reach. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its authorization of SPRAVATO® (esketamine), an antidepressant nasal spray.
From now on, Spravato is cleared for use as a single medical option for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This is the first monotherapy authorized for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who haven’t found relief from at least two oral antidepressants.
A Breakthrough In Depression Treatment Has Arrived
At The Counseling Center at Fair Lawn (TCC), a leader in outpatient mental health services, we are pleased to have provided Spravato as a cutting-edge medication for TRD over several years. After this new approval, we remain at the forefront of psychiatric care.
Spravato was initially approved in 2019 for TRD and patients requiring combined oral antidepressant medications for suicidal ideation.
Based on recent clinical tests, the FDA has proven Spravato’s efficacy as a standalone treatment, marking a life-changing milestone in psychiatric care. Before now, people using Spravato also took an oral antidepressant. As of now, the FDA says the drug can be used without other medication. The new 2025 decision came about following a large study found that Spravato on its own worked better than a placebo.
What Is Spravato?
Spravato is a trailblazing method for treating depression disorders. It is a nasal spray derived from esketamine, which comes from the anesthetic ketamine. By targeting glutamate, a critical brain neurotransmitter, Spravato helps improve mood and brain function
The new FDA authorization follows research showing that Spravato, as single treatment, resulted in rapid and marked symptom relief, with numerous people seeing improvement within a day or two.
Why Try Spravato At The Counseling Center at Fair Lawn?
At TCC, we put individualized treatment at the forefront. If you don’t have an effective solution for your depression, ask us about Spravato. You get more than a mere treatment— it’s a game-changer for individuals who haven’t found relief with traditional therapies.
What Makes Spravato Unique?
Spravato is a revolutionary medication for treatment-resistant depression. For many individuals, it offers benefits like
- Quick Relief: Improves depressive symptoms more quickly than oral drugs.
- Return Of Functionality: Helps users enjoy life again and reconnect.
- Innovative Mechanism: Zeroes in on glutamate brain receptors to enhance brain plasticity and overall function.
Due to its possible side effects (e.g., sedation, dissociation), you can only get Spravato through a restricted distribution system under the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). It has to be administered in an accredited medical facility, like The Counseling Center, where licensed professionals monitor each treatment for safety and effectiveness.
Getting The Facts
It’s important to know that Spravato is not the same as ketamine. While the two share commonalities, Spravato is a meticulously regulated medication authorized by the FDA and delivered in safe clinical facilities like TCC to ensure safety and efficacy.
How Spravato Works At The Counseling Center
With REMS certification in all ten New Jersey locations and in Millbury, Massachusetts, TCC integrates Spravato into individualized treatment plans for people grappling with TRD.
What to Expect
At TCC, our certified treatment centers and skilled clinicians make sure that every treatment session is safe, effective, and focused on your needs.
- Clinical Assessment: Our experts review your medical history to decide if Spravato is a useful option for your needs.
- Supervised Sessions: Each session is administered by licensed medical staff in a safe, supportive environment.
- Continuing Support: Spravato is one element of a broader mental health plan that involves therapy and medication management.
Is Spravato The Right Option For You?
You may be a viable candidate for Spravato if
- You’ve taken at least two antidepressants without measurable improvement.
- Your symptoms stop you from fully living your life.
- You’re in a good place to try innovative therapies to improve your mental health.
The Counseling Center: Your Partner For Psychiatric Health
At The Counseling Center at Fair Lawn, we prioritize offering top-tier, understanding care. Our holistic approach uses:
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Medication management
- Intensive outpatient programs for psychiatric health
Spravato is the latest addition to TCC’s list of personalized mental health treatments, helping patients find healing and hope.
Take The First Step Toward Better Mental Health
You never have to cope with depression alone. If you’re prepared to learn about how Spravato could change your life, TCC is here to help. Call us any time at 201-389-5326 to make an appointment for your private evaluation. Relief might be closer than you think.
Author
Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, Stephen Cooke brings over a decade of experience in international and American healthcare communications to Praesum. A prolific writer and published author, Stephen has dedicated his career to promoting health and recovery across various organizations.
