Spravato vs. Traditional Antidepressants: What’s the Difference?
- Moe | Scarlet Plus
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
Innovative Care with MindBodyPinnacle Health – Laurel, MD & Washington, D.C.
Not all depression treatments work the same—especially for individuals who’ve tried multiple antidepressants with little success. While traditional medications like SSRIs remain common, newer alternatives like Spravato (esketamine) are offering hope for people with treatment-resistant depression.
At MindBodyPinnacle Health, we help patients understand their options and guide them toward solutions that fit their unique mental health needs.
Page Contents:
1. What Makes Spravato Different From Traditional Antidepressants?
Spravato is not your typical antidepressant. Most traditional medications—like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—work by gradually increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Spravato, on the other hand, targets a different neurotransmitter system entirely: glutamate, which is involved in mood, cognition, and response to stress.
💡 Key distinctions:
🧠 SSRIs/SNRIs focus on serotonin and norepinephrine regulation
💥 Spravato acts on NMDA receptors and glutamate for faster results
⏳ Spravato may begin to relieve symptoms within hours or days, compared to weeks with traditional antidepressants (NIMH)
2. How Are They Administered—and What’s the Experience Like?
Traditional antidepressants are taken daily at home, usually in pill form. Spravato is administered as a nasal spray in a certified clinical setting. After each treatment, patients must remain under observation for at least two hours due to potential side effects like dissociation or dizziness.
🚑 What to expect:
💊 Antidepressants: Home use, easier routine but requires adherence
💨 Spravato: In-clinic supervision ensures safety during treatment
⛑ Patients are monitored post-dose for blood pressure and mood changes (FDA Spravato Safety Info)
3. Who Benefits Most From Each?
Traditional antidepressants are often the first step for those with mild to moderate depression. Spravato is reserved for those with treatment-resistant depression—meaning they haven’t responded to at least two other medications.
✅ Who it’s for:
🧍♀️ SSRIs/SNRIs: General depression and anxiety disorders
🔁 Spravato: For adults with persistent symptoms despite other treatments
📉 Spravato has also shown rapid improvement in patients with suicidal ideation (Johns Hopkins Medicine)
4. What Are the Risks and Side Effects?
Both treatments come with potential side effects, but they differ. SSRIs often affect digestion, sleep, and sexual health. Spravato may cause temporary dissociation, sedation, or a feeling of being “disconnected,” which typically wears off after treatment.
⚠️ What to watch for:
😴 SSRIs: Insomnia, sexual dysfunction, weight changes
🌫 Spravato: Dizziness, floating sensation, mild hallucinations
📌 Both should be managed under the care of a mental health provider (Mayo Clinic)
Conclusion: The Right Treatment Is the One That Works for You
Everyone’s path to mental wellness looks different. Whether you're considering Spravato or exploring traditional antidepressants, the key is personalized care and professional support.
At MindBodyPinnacle Health, we specialize in helping patients make informed decisions based on their mental health history, lifestyle, and goals.
👉 Curious whether Spravato is right for you? Contact MindBodyPinnacle Health in Laurel, MD or Washington, D.C. to schedule a consultation.
Getting Started Is Easy
Call (443) 713-8643 for your free benefits check.
Book online in seconds—no forms, no fuss.
Show up & feel hopeful. We handle the paperwork, the coil, and all the fine print.
Your Next Steps
Curious to learn more? Check out:
When you’re ready to break free from depression and reclaim your joy, MindBodyPinnacle is here in Maryland—with a team that speaks your language,
understands your life, and believes in your brighter tomorrow.
Ready to try something new?Give us a ring at (443) 713-8643 or click Book My Free Consultation now. Let’s get you moving toward the light.
