Finding Hope Beyond Medication: How Spravato and Ketamine Therapy Can Help When Nothing Else Works

Vinay Saranga • February 18, 2025

This is a subtitle for your new post

If you’ve ever struggled with depression or anxiety, you know the drill. You go to the doctor, describe your symptoms, and get prescribed an antidepressant. You take it faithfully, waiting for that lift, that break in the clouds. But what if that relief never comes? What if, despite trying medication after medication, you still feel stuck in the same dark place? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.



For about one-third of people with depression, traditional antidepressants just don’t work. It’s called treatment-resistant depression, and it can feel like an endless cycle of frustration, hopelessness, and exhaustion.



But here’s the good news: you are not out of options. Innovative treatments like Spravato (esketamine) are changing the way we treat depression and anxiety—giving hope to those who need it most.



Meet Alex: A Story of Hope and Healing



Alex was tired. She was tired of trying new medications, waiting weeks to see if they’d work, and then dealing with side effects that made her feel even worse. She had tried everything—SSRIs, SNRIs, therapy, exercise, meditation—yet nothing seemed to break the cycle of depression that had been weighing her down for years.



When her doctor mentioned Spravato treatment, she was skeptical. Another medication? Another round of waiting? But after doing some research, she realized this wasn’t just another pill—it was a completely different approach to treating depression. Desperate for relief, she decided to give it a shot.



After her first few treatments, something changed. The overwhelming heaviness she had carried for so long started to lift. For the first time in years, she felt a glimmer of hope. And that hope grew stronger with each session.



Alex’s story is not unique. Every day, more people are discovering that Spravato treatment centers  are offering real relief for those who have felt hopeless for far too long.



Spravato: A Life-Changing Nasal Spray For Depression



Spravato is an FDA-approved esketamine nasal spray specifically designed for treatment-resistant depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin and norepinephrine, Spravato works differently—by affecting glutamate, a key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. This new approach has shown rapid and significant improvements in depression symptoms—sometimes within hours or days, rather than weeks.



Spravato is administered in our certified treatment center under medical supervision. Patients come in for scheduled treatments, relax in a comfortable setting, and are monitored for a short period after receiving the medication. Unlike typical antidepressants, which require daily use, Spravato is given in a structured schedule, allowing for ongoing evaluation and support.


Is Spravato Ketamine Therapy?


Spravato is not the same as traditional ketamine therapy, but they are related. Spravato (esketamine) is a prescription nasal spray that is FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression. It is a form of ketamine, but it is a more refined version designed for medical use under supervision. 


Unlike IV Ketamine therapy, which is often used off-label for depression, Spravato is taken in a controlled treatment center and follows a structured dosing schedule. Both treatments work differently from standard antidepressants by targeting glutamate, a key brain chemical involved in mood regulation, and many patients experience relief faster than with traditional medications.


Why Consider a Spravato Treatment Center in Apex, NC?



If you’ve been struggling with depression or anxiety and have tried multiple medications without success, it may be time to explore new options. Here’s why Spravato might be the right fit for you:



  • They Work When Other Medications Haven’t – Traditional antidepressants don’t help everyone, but Spravato offers a different approach that targets new pathways in the brain.
  • They Work Faster – While standard antidepressants can take weeks to show results, many patients experience improvements with Spravato within hours or days.
  • They Help Break the Cycle – When depression is severe and long-lasting, it can feel impossible to climb out. These treatments can provide the breakthrough needed to start healing.
  • They Offer a Personalized Approach – Not everyone’s depression looks the same, so treatment shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. At our center, your care is customized to fit your unique needs.



What to Expect When You Start Treatment



Starting a new treatment can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can help ease any anxiety. Here’s how it typically works:



  • Initial Consultation – Our compassionate team will review your history, symptoms, and previous treatments to determine if Spravato is right for you.
  • Personalized Treatment Plan – If approved, you’ll begin a structured treatment schedule at our Spravato treatment center in Apex, where our team of experienced professionals will guide you every step of the way.
  • Comfortable Treatment Experience – During your sessions, you’ll relax in a safe, monitored setting. The treatment is painless, and you’ll be observed to ensure a smooth experience.
  • Gradual Improvement – Many patients notice improvement within the first few treatments, with continued progress over time.
  • Ongoing Support – Healing doesn’t happen overnight. Therapy, lifestyle changes, and ongoing care play a vital role in maintaining progress.



You Deserve to Feel Better



If you’ve been battling depression or anxiety and feel like you’re running out of options, don’t lose hope. There is a path forward, and you don’t have to walk it alone.



Our team is here to help. Whether you choose in-person treatment or want to explore telehealth options from the comfort of your home, we’re ready to support you. Reach out today and take the first step toward healing because you deserve to feel better.

By Vinay Saranga September 5, 2025
Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray that works differently than traditional antidepressants. While most medications target serotonin or norepinephrine, Spravato boosts glutamate, which helps the brain form new connections. In simple terms, it helps “rewire” parts of the brain affected by depression.
By Vinay Saranga August 27, 2025
ADHD is one of the most common childhood mental health conditions, and while it comes with challenges, it is also highly treatable. At the North Carolina Institute of Advanced NeuroHealth, we want parents to know they don’t have to figure this out alone.
By Vinay Saranga August 7, 2025
At the North Carolina Institute of Advanced NeuroHealth, we want you to know that if your family is struggling with back-to-school anxiety or stress, you are far from alone.
By Vinay Saranga June 27, 2025
The truth is, depression can be complicated, and medication doesn’t always fix everything on its own. Lots of people don’t get the results they hope for just by taking antidepressants.
By Vinay Saranga May 28, 2025
In Fuquay-Varina and the surrounding areas, The North Carolina Institute of Advanced NeuroHealth offers care that’s rooted in compassion and respect.
By Vinay Saranga April 24, 2025
Traditional antidepressants are often the first option people try, but for some, they simply don’t do enough to bring real change. It can be discouraging when medications that worked for others don’t seem to help you, and it might make you feel like you’re running out of options.
By Vinay Saranga March 14, 2025
We’re excited to announce the expansion of our services with a brand-new office in Fuquay-Varina, NC! This new location allows us to bring expert medication management and innovative treatments like Spravato to even more people in our community. If you’ve been looking for compassionate, high-quality mental health care, we’re here for you.
By Vinay Saranga January 28, 2025
For people in Apex, NC, and beyond who have struggled with depression that seems unyielding, there’s exciting news: the FDA has approved Spravato (esketamine) as the first-ever stand-alone therapy for treatment-resistant depression. This groundbreaking treatment offers new hope to those who haven’t found relief through traditional medications.
By Vinay Saranga January 2, 2025
The thing about depression is that it often doesn’t look the way we think it should. It doesn’t always look like someone crying or feeling hopeless. For many, it can show up as:
By Vinay Saranga November 25, 2024
At the 2024 Behavioral Health Tech (BHT) Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation as the spotlight turned to one of the most powerful advocates for mental health: Paris Hilton. Dr. Vinay Saranga had the opportunity to attend the conference, where he met with other passionate professionals working to revolutionize mental health care. But it was Hilton’s keynote address that truly made an impact. Known for her glamorous public persona, Hilton stepped onto the stage not as a celebrity, but as a survivor—a voice for those who, like her, have experienced trauma and struggled with mental health in silence. The Power of a Celebrity Voice in Mental Health When a public figure like Paris Hilton shares their mental health journey, it creates ripples far beyond the room. For years, Hilton has been known for her glamour and entrepreneurial success, but her recent advocacy work has revealed a deeply vulnerable side that resonates with millions. During her keynote, Hilton spoke candidly about her experiences as a survivor of institutional child abuse and the lasting impact it had on her mental health. She spoke not just of survival, but of hope—hope that sharing her story would help others break the chains of shame and seek the help they deserve. Her platform allows her to bring these issues to the spotlight, encouraging others to seek help and shattering the stigmas that often prevent people from reaching out. It’s a reminder that mental health struggles don’t discriminate—they touch every community, every age group, and every socioeconomic background. Hearing Paris Hilton’s words was a reminder of the deep need for empathy in mental health care. It highlighted how trauma from childhood can last throughout a lifetime, affecting relationships, self-worth, and overall well-being. After hearing her speech, it was clear that everyone in the room was connected in this fight for a world where healing is possible, no matter the past. How Childhood Trauma Affects Adults Hilton’s story shines a light on an important truth: the trauma we experience as children doesn’t just stay in the past. For many survivors, the emotional pain from those early years can stick with us, affecting both our mental and physical health as we grow older. It’s like carrying a heavy backpack that never goes away. Even if you try to move forward, those old wounds can still weigh you down, making life harder than it needs to be. This is why it’s so important to recognize the long-lasting effects of trauma and to find the right help to heal. Healing isn’t easy, but with the right support, it is possible to lighten that load and begin to truly move forward. Emotional Impact: Survivors often experience chronic anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt can stem from unresolved childhood experiences. Relationship Challenges: Trust issues, fear of vulnerability, and difficulty forming healthy connections are common struggles for those who’ve endured trauma. Physical Health: Research shows that early trauma can lead to long-term health issues, including heart disease, chronic pain, and autoimmune disorders. Understanding the connection between early experiences and adult mental health is essential. It’s why compassionate, specialized care—like the kind Dr. Saranga and his team provide—is so important. Breaking Through Trauma with Innovative Treatments For individuals living with the weight of unresolved trauma or treatment-resistant depression, traditional therapies alone may not be enough. Advances in mental health care, however, are providing new hope for those seeking a breakthrough. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. It’s FDA-approved and particularly effective for those who haven’t found relief through medication or talk therapy. Many patients describe it as life-changing, helping them regain clarity, energy, and a sense of control over their emotions. Ketamine Therapy Once primarily known as an anesthetic, ketamine is now being used in controlled, therapeutic settings to treat severe depression and PTSD. By helping to “rewire” neural pathways, it can offer rapid relief from depressive symptoms, allowing individuals to engage more fully in other forms of therapy and healing. A Customized Approach Dr. Saranga and our team at The North Carolina Institute of Advanced NeuroHealth understand that mental health is not one-size-fits-all. Our approach focuses on getting to the root of each patient’s struggles, creating individualized treatment plans that may include therapy, medication, innovative treatments like TMS or ketamine, and lifestyle support. Moving Forward Together Dr. Saranga’s experience at BHT2024 reinforced the importance of community and innovation in mental health care. Events like this bring together thought leaders, advocates, and providers, all working toward a shared goal: helping people find their light in the darkest moments. If you or someone you love is struggling with unresolved trauma or treatment-resistant depression , know that you’re not alone. Help is available, and breakthroughs are possible. Contact our compassionate team today to learn more about innovative treatments and personalized care. Together, we can help you move forward toward healing and hope.
See More Posts