Spravato Treatment Specialist in Boynton Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Spravato is administered as a nasal spray in a controlled medical setting, where patients self-administer the prescribed dose under the supervision of a healthcare specialist. Because the medication can cause dissociation and temporary side effects, individuals are monitored for at least two hours after each session to ensure they tolerate the treatment safely. Unlike traditional antidepressants taken at home, Spravato requires a structured process with scheduled visits to manage both administration and response.

Spravato treatment typically follows a set schedule, starting with two sessions per week during the initial phase before gradually shifting to a less frequent maintenance plan based on individual progress. However, the specific details of this administration schedule may vary according to each patient’s presenting symptoms. Since Spravato is used alongside an oral antidepressant, its effects are monitored over time to assess whether adjustments are necessary. Each session is designed to ensure the individual receives the full benefit of the medication while minimizing any risks associated with its dissociative properties.

The response to Spravato varies, but many individuals begin noticing changes in mood, energy levels, or thought patterns within the first few weeks of treatment. Some patients will experience an early reduction in emotional numbness or a shift in how they process stress, while others may require multiple sessions before seeing a meaningful improvement. Because Spravato works differently from traditional antidepressants, its effects may be more gradual or emerge in unexpected ways, making regular check-ins essential for tracking progress.

In addition to changes in mood, improvements in daily functioning can also indicate whether the treatment is effective. Increased motivation, better sleep, or a greater sense of emotional stability are signs that Spravato is making a positive difference, even if symptom relief isn’t immediate. If progress remains limited after a full course of treatment, specialists may reassess the approach, considering adjustments to dosage, frequency, or complementary therapies to enhance the overall benefit.

Spravato primarily targets the brain’s glutamate system, which is integral in areas such as mood regulation, cognitive flexibility, and emotional processing. Unlike traditional antidepressants that focus on serotonin or dopamine, Spravato enhances glutamate activity, promoting new neural connections and increasing brain plasticity. This mechanism is intended to help rewire thought patterns, making it easier to break free from negative patterns and deep depressive states.

By creating these shifts in brain chemistry, Spravato can produce more rapid improvements in mood compared to standard treatments. Many individuals will experience a sense of detachment or altered perception during sessions, which may reflect changes occurring at a neurological level. Over time, this rewiring effect has the potential to contribute to lasting symptom relief, particularly for those who have struggled with persistent, treatment-resistant depression.

A typical Spravato session begins with the individual self-administering the nasal spray under medical supervision, followed by a monitored observation period lasting around two hours. Since the medication can cause dizziness, dissociation, or temporary changes in perception, patients remain seated in a calm environment while the effects take hold.

Patients will often describe the experience as being dreamlike or introspective, while others may feel a sense of emotional release or detachment from intrusive thoughts. During the observation period, specialists at Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches monitor vital signs and overall response to ensure the treatment is proceeding safely. Many individuals find that the effects fade gradually, leaving them in a more reflective or relaxed state by the end of the session. Because Spravato can temporarily impair coordination and alertness, patients will be required to arrange transportation home and may need time afterward to fully return to baseline before resuming daily activities.

Spravato treatment is available at Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Boynton Beach, FL, and Palm Beach Gardens, FL. We serve patients from Boynton Beach FL, Palm Beach Gardens FL, Delray Beach FL, Lake Worth Beach FL, Juno Ridge FL, North Palm Beach FL, and surrounding areas.