If you or someone you love has been struggling with depression that has not improved with standard medications, you are far from alone. Many people search for options that offer real relief when traditional antidepressants are not enough. At Delray Integrative Medicine, the esketamine nasal spray Delray Beach provides a new path forward for patients facing treatment-resistant depression. In this blog, we will walk through how SPRAVATO works, what to expect, and how to decide whether this therapy may be right for you.
SPRAVATO is an FDA-approved esketamine nasal spray that is used in combination with an oral antidepressant to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression. Unlike standard medications that primarily target serotonin and other common neurotransmitters, esketamine works on the glutamate system, which plays a major role in mood regulation, neural communication, and emotional resilience.
Many patients who do not respond well to traditional antidepressants may benefit from esketamine because it takes a completely different approach. Esketamine activates the NMDA receptor and increases glutamate, which supports neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to form new, healthier pathways. This is one reason so many people notice improvements in mood, motivation, and clarity even within the first few sessions.
SPRAVATO cannot be picked up at a pharmacy or taken at home. It must be administered at a certified treatment-resistant depression clinic Delray Beach, such as Delray Integrative Medicine. Each session is supervised by trained medical staff who monitor your blood pressure, comfort level, and response to the treatment. This creates a safe and supportive environment while helping you gain the greatest benefit from each dose.
Although esketamine and ketamine are related, they are not identical treatments. Many patients exploring SPRAVATO want to understand the difference so they can make an informed decision about their care.
Chemical Differences and FDA Approval: Ketamine infusions use racemic ketamine, which includes two mirror-image molecules. Esketamine is a purified version of only one of those molecules, delivered as a nasal spray. SPRAVATO is FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression, while ketamine infusions are an off-label treatment. Both can be effective, but the choice often depends on a patient’s medical history, insurance coverage, treatment goals, and response to previous therapies.
Experience and Onset of Relief: Esketamine nasal spray typically produces noticeable improvement within several weeks; however, some patients experience shifts in their symptoms sooner. Ketamine infusions may produce a rapid effect for some individuals, but the clinical structure of SPRAVATO offers consistency, safety monitoring, and an insurance-supported treatment pathway that many patients prefer.
While SPRAVATO is approved for treatment-resistant depression, many patients also experience improvements in anxiety symptoms. This is likely linked to how esketamine influences the glutamate system and supports healthier neural pathways.
Esketamine for Anxiety and Depression
When depression and anxiety occur together, it can be difficult to treat both effectively. Esketamine’s unique mechanism may help reduce the emotional paralysis, rumination, and sense of overwhelm that often accompany long-standing mood disorders. Patients frequently report improved motivation, increased ability to engage in therapy, and a greater sense of overall stability.
How Esketamine Works for Depression
The restoration of neuroplasticity is one of the biggest advantages of esketamine therapy. By allowing the brain to reconnect patterns of thought and emotion, SPRAVATO may help patients break out of cycles that previously felt immovable. This biological shift often opens the door to deeper healing, better functioning, and improved relationships.
If you are considering SPRAVATO treatment Delray Beach, understanding the structure of the sessions can help you feel more prepared and confident.
Arrival and Preparation: Before each appointment, a team member will review your recent medical history and discuss how you have been feeling since your last session. You will be seated in a comfortable treatment room and given the esketamine nasal spray under medical supervision.
Monitoring and Observation: After receiving the medication, patients usually remain in the clinic for about two hours. During this time, you may feel relaxed, introspective, or slightly dissociated. These effects are temporary and monitored carefully by the clinical team. Some individuals bring headphones, a journal, or calming activities to help support their experience.
After the Session: Because the treatment can temporarily affect coordination and alertness, patients should not drive until the next day. Most people arrange transportation or bring a support person. Your provider will schedule your next sessions based on your personalized treatment plan.
SPRAVATO has been studied extensively and has a strong safety profile when administered in a clinical setting. However, like any medical treatment, it may cause side effects.

Common Side Effects
Many patients report mild symptoms such as dizziness, floating sensations, or slight nausea. These effects typically wear off within the two-hour observation window. Some individuals also notice increased blood pressure shortly after dosing, which is why medical supervision is mandatory.
Safety Protocols at a Certified Clinic
Delray Integrative Medicine follows all strict REMS safety requirements to ensure patients receive SPRAVATO safely and effectively. The controlled environment, ongoing assessments, and medical oversight help reduce risks and support the best possible outcome.
Insurance Coverage for Esketamine
One of the advantages of SPRAVATO compared to some alternative therapies is that insurance often provides coverage for eligible patients. Coverage varies by provider, but because SPRAVATO is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, many patients find it to be a financially accessible option.
Our office helps patients verify benefits, understand costs, and navigate the approval process. If you have questions about insurance coverage for esketamine, our administrative team is here to assist you.
Selecting a knowledgeable provider is a key step when starting a treatment like SPRAVATO. At Delray Integrative Medicine, our clinicians have extensive experience working with treatment-resistant depression and offer a collaborative, integrative approach.
We ensure that every patient receives a personalized plan that includes careful evaluation, ongoing monitoring, and coordination with your existing mental health providers when needed. As a psychiatrist offering SPRAVATO Florida, our goal is to help you access an evidence-based therapy in a supportive and compassionate environment.
If you have tried multiple antidepressants without meaningful improvement, you may be an excellent candidate for esketamine nasal spray Delray Beach treatment at our clinic. SPRAVATO offers a scientifically supported option for individuals who need something beyond traditional medications, and many patients finally experience the breakthrough they have been hoping for.
To learn more about whether this therapy is the right fit for you, visit our services page or read more about our approach to integrative mental health care.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Delray Integrative Medicine today to schedule a consultation.