How Does Ketamine Therapy Work? A Look Inside Spravato Treatment for Depression

For people struggling with treatment-resistant depression, relief can feel out of reach. If you've tried multiple antidepressants without success, you may be exploring alternative options like ketamine therapy. But how does it work, and what makes it different from traditional medications?

At Daniel Perry MD in Savannah, GA, we offer a form of ketamine treatment known as Spravato, a nasal spray designed specifically for individuals with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts. In this post, we’ll explore how ketamine therapy works and what patients can expect.

What Is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy refers to using ketamine (or its derivative, esketamine) to treat depression by affecting parts of the brain that regulate mood. While ketamine was originally used as an anesthetic, it’s now widely researched and utilized for its rapid-acting antidepressant effects.

At our clinic, we provide Spravato, an FDA-approved nasal spray version of ketamine administered in-office under medical supervision.

How Does Ketamine Work in the Brain?

Unlike most antidepressants, which target serotonin or norepinephrine, ketamine acts on glutamate, the brain’s most abundant neurotransmitter. Here’s how it works:

• Stimulates glutamate activity to promote new connections between brain cells
• Improves neuroplasticity, helping the brain adapt and “rewire” itself out of depressive patterns
• Disrupts negative thought loops, often bringing fast emotional clarity
• Reduces suicidal thoughts, sometimes within hours of the first few treatments

This unique mechanism of action allows ketamine to work faster than many conventional antidepressants.

What Is Spravato and How Is It Administered?

Spravato (esketamine) is a nasal spray approved by the FDA to treat:

• Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
• Major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal ideation

Spravato is not a take-home medication. It is administered in our clinic, and every session includes:

1. Pre-treatment check-in and preparation
2. In-office nasal spray administration
3. Two-hour monitoring period to ensure safety and comfort

This protocol ensures every dose is given in a medically supervised, supportive environment.

How Soon Does It Work?

While results vary by individual, many patients experience:

• Noticeable improvements in mood within a few sessions
• Reduced emotional numbness or fog
• A sense of lightness or clarity shortly after treatment

This quick response can be especially valuable for those facing persistent or severe depressive symptoms.

Is Ketamine Therapy Safe?

Yes, when delivered in a clinical setting. Spravato is:

• FDA-approved for specific diagnoses
• Administered by trained professionals
• Closely monitored during and after each session

Common side effects may include dizziness, mild dissociation, nausea, or drowsiness, but these typically resolve within hours.

Who Might Benefit from Ketamine Therapy?

Spravato may be appropriate for adults who:

• Have tried two or more antidepressants without success
• Are dealing with chronic depression symptoms
• Are experiencing suicidal thoughts related to depression
• Are seeking a treatment alternative that works differently than oral medications

Not everyone is a candidate, and a thorough psychiatric evaluation is required to determine eligibility.

Want to Learn More?

If you’ve been searching for ketamine therapy in Savannah GA, we invite you to learn more about this advanced treatment option. At Daniel Perry MD, our team provides Spravato therapy in a supportive, psychiatrist-led environment.

➡️ Learn more about Spravato Ketamine Therapy here

Take the First Step Toward Relief

You don’t have to feel stuck. Ketamine therapy with Spravato offers hope and healing for individuals who haven’t found success with traditional antidepressants.

📞 Call 912-513-2888 or schedule your consultation online