TMS therapy and Spravato are both FDA-cleared treatments that are clinically proven to reduce symptoms of depression in adults after conventional treatments such as antidepressants or psychotherapy have not worked. They are both administered in our office under the careful supervision of one of our clinicians, who will monitor your treatment progress and manage any side effects. While TMS therapy and Spravato share these similarities, they are unique treatments with different indications. Our dedicated team is here to help you understand the differences between TMS therapy and Spravato and get a sense of which treatment may be right for you.
While TMS therapy and Spravato are both clinically-proven treatments for treatment-resistant depression, TMS therapy is also FDA-cleared to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, migraines, and helps with smoking cessation. This makes it a well-rounded option for mental health treatment and restores hope for those who have not had success with conventional treatments.
TMS therapy is also approved to treat adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) over 15, while Spravato is only for adults ages 18 and over. Our dedicated team can help you learn whether one of these treatments can help you manage your mental health condition.
How TMS therapy and Spravato work to reduce symptoms of depression also differs. TMS therapy administers electromagnetic waves through the scalp to reactivate regions of the brain involved in mood control and stimulates brain cells that balance neurotransmitters. TMS targets regions of the brain like the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. It is a drug-free, non-invasive option that does not require any downtime.
Meanwhile, Spravato is an esketamine-based nasal spray that targets the brain’s glutamate system. It blocks NDMA receptors, which increases glutamate and helps the brain rebuild neural connections that balance mood. Spravato acts on neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to heal itself.
Another key difference between TMS therapy and Spravato is the timeline of these treatments. TMS therapy is administered five days a week for four to six weeks, and sessions only last about twenty to forty minutes. Since no sedation is required, you will be able to continue daily activities immediately after, including driving yourself home. Meanwhile, Spravato is administered on a phase-based dosing schedule that involves coming to our office biweekly for the first 4 weeks, then once a week for the following month, then as needed. Sessions last 2 hours, and you will be drowsy after, so you must have someone pick you up.
When clients feel the results of their treatment are different between TMS therapy and Spravato. With TMS therapy, clients typically experience a gradual shift in mood throughout the treatment course. Results will not be immediate. Patients tend feel noticeable improvement after about two weeks. However, upon completing a TMS course, results can last several months, with many clients reporting improvement through one year post-treatment.
Spravato is known for its fast-acting results. Many clients who use Spravato report feeling a boost in mood within just one day of their first treatment. These results continue to improve, and many patients experience little to no symptoms of depression after a full course of Spravato. However, Spravato tends to require continued periodic sessions to maintain results.
While TMS therapy and Spravato are both clinically proven to manage symptoms of depression, they differ in many ways. Which treatment is right for you will depend on unique factors. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation, learn more about the differences between TMS therapy and Spravato, and find out which treatment can help you achieve renewed wellness.