If you’re living with major depressive disorder (MDD) and haven’t found relief from standard antidepressants, you may want to consider an alternative treatment. At Prestige Clinic, our providers offer SPRAVATO® to help you take control of your mental health and feel like yourself again. Another treatment in the mental health space that people look to is TMS therapy.
While both treatments aim to relieve depression, they work in very different ways and may be suited for different people. Understanding the differences between TMS therapy and SPRAVATO® can help you make an informed decision about your next step in care.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, noninvasive treatment designed to mitigate MDD symptoms when you haven’t responded well to medication. TMS uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the region of your brain involved in mood regulation. This process helps improve communication between different parts of your brain, reducing symptoms of depression over time for many people.
During each session, you’ll sit in a chair while a provider positions a small magnetic coil near your scalp. You’ll stay awake and alert throughout the 20–minute appointment. TMS therapy is typically administered five days a week for several weeks to get the optimal results, which can be a big commitment for many patients.
SPRAVATO® is a prescription nasal spray made from esketamine, a derivative of ketamine. It’s FDA-approved for adults with MDD who are experiencing symptoms despite having tried at least two antidepressants.
Unlike oral antidepressants that typically take weeks to become effective, SPRAVATO® may offer noticeable symptom relief in just a couple of doses. You’ll self-administer the spray under direct supervision in our clinic. Afterward, you’ll remain under observation for at least two hours to ensure your safety and monitor for side effects.
TMS therapy and SPRAVATO® have differences in their approach, delivery, and suitability. Here are a few distinctions to consider.
TMS stimulates neural activity through magnetic pulses, whereas SPRAVATO® works chemically by affecting glutamate levels in your brain.
TMS sessions are noninvasive and don’t use medication. In contrast, SPRAVATO® is a nasal spray and requires mandatory onsite monitoring after each session.
SPRAVATO® may provide relief faster than TMS. You may notice changes after the first few sessions, while TMS results tend to build more gradually.
TMS side effects are usually mild and may include scalp discomfort or headaches. SPRAVATO® may cause dizziness, dissociation, or increased blood pressure, and you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward.
Your medical history, current medications, and personal treatment goals will determine which option is best for you. Our providers will walk you through all the factors during your in-person consultation.
Choosing between TMS and SPRAVATO® is a personal decision—one that is made based on understanding the differences and depends on your symptoms, health background, and how previous treatments have worked for you. Our team offers safe, on-site SPRAVATO® treatment and tailors the plan to your needs.
If you’re struggling with MDD and are ready to try a new approach, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our expert providers today.