For people living with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), the search for relief can feel frustrating and exhausting. Many individuals have already tried multiple antidepressants, lifestyle changes, and therapy — yet still struggle with persistent symptoms.

Spravato® (esketamine) represents one of the most significant breakthroughs in depression treatment in decades. One of the biggest questions patients ask during consultations at Aurora Wellness is:

“How long does Spravato take to work?”

The encouraging news is that Spravato can begin working within hours to days, offering relief during some of the most critical moments of depression.

Below is a clear, patient-friendly explanation of how Spravato works, how quickly improvement may occur, and what factors influence the timeline.

Why Spravato Works Faster Than Most Antidepressants

Traditional antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs play a crucial role in treating depression and remain first-line treatments. However, these medications often take 4–8 weeks to produce full therapeutic effects because they gradually adjust serotonin or norepinephrine levels.

Spravato works on a different pathway:

1. Rapid Glutamate Activation

Spravato targets the NMDA receptor, triggering a rapid increase in glutamate — the brain’s main excitatory neurotransmitter involved in mood, cognition, and neuroplasticity.

2. Restoring Neural Connections

Depression can weaken or reduce neural connections. Esketamine helps rebuild and strengthen these pathways, supporting improved emotional regulation and cognitive functioning.

How Quickly Do Patients Feel Relief?

One of the most remarkable aspects of Spravato is the speed at which some patients respond.

Possible Early Relief: Hours to Days

Some patients report:

• A lifting of emotional heaviness

• Reduced suicidal thoughts

• More clarity or mental energy

• A sense of “something shifting”

These early changes — even if subtle — are meaningful signs that the treatment is engaging its intended pathway.

Deepening Benefits Over Time

Spravato’s effects often continue to strengthen with ongoing treatment, particularly during the transition into weekly and then biweekly maintenance sessions.

Why Some Patients Respond Faster Than Others

While Spravato has one of the strongest clinical outcomes of any modern depression treatment, response timelines vary based on several factors:

1. Severity and Duration of Depression

Long-standing or severe depression may require more time before meaningful improvement becomes visible.

2. Co-Occurring Conditions

Symptoms related to anxiety, trauma, or bipolar-spectrum features can influence the perception and pace of relief.

3. Biological Response Differences

Brain chemistry and treatment history play a role in how rapidly a patient experiences change.

4. Consistency With Treatment

Attending all induction sessions — especially during the first month — is crucial for building momentum.

5. Engagement in Therapy

Patients who combine Spravato with psychotherapy often experience more lasting benefits.

No two patients follow the exact same path. A slower response does not mean the treatment is ineffective — many strong responders emerge gradually over several weeks.

What Patients Often Notice First

Improvement with Spravato doesn’t always begin with mood. Early positive signs often include:

• Being less overwhelmed by tasks

• Increased interest in daily activities

• Clearer thinking

• Improved emotional regulation

• Reduced reactivity to stress

• Enhanced ability to get out of bed or start the day

• Fewer intrusive or hopeless thoughts

These shifts form the foundation for deeper mood improvements that emerge with continued treatment.

What If You Haven’t Felt Better Yet?

It is completely normal for some patients not to feel significant changes immediately. Spravato is still working internally even if external symptoms haven’t shifted yet.

Psychiatrists typically reassess progress after the first month, but many patients who did not respond early still go on to achieve substantial improvement with continued treatment. The goal is not instantaneous relief for everyone — it’s sustained, meaningful recovery.

Spravato as Part of a Comprehensive Depression Treatment Plan

Spravato is most effective when integrated into a broader treatment strategy that may include:

• Ongoing antidepressant therapy

• Psychotherapy

• Lifestyle and behavioral supports

• Close monitoring and adjustments as needed

At Aurora Wellness, each patient receives a customized treatment plan tailored to their needs, history, and goals.

Final Thoughts: Spravato’s Timeline Is a Journey Toward Relief — and Many Patients Feel Better Sooner Than Expected

Spravato represents a powerful option for those who have tried multiple antidepressants without sufficient benefit. While the timeline varies by individual, many patients experience:

✔ rapid relief within hours to days

✔ meaningful improvement over several weeks

✔ sustained benefits with maintenance treatment

For individuals facing severe or treatment-resistant depression, these outcomes can be life-changing.

Interested in Starting Spravato? We’re Here to Help.

Aurora Wellness provides comprehensive Spravato evaluations and treatment in:

📍 White Plains, NY
📍 Brooklyn, NY

If you’re exploring advanced treatment options for depression, our team can guide you through every step of the process with safety, compassion, and expertise.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn whether Spravato may be right for you.