TMS Therapy vs. Spravato: Which Treatment Is Right for You?
If you’re looking into treatment for depression that hasn’t improved with medication, you’ve likely found two options: TMS therapy and Spravato®. Both treatments have FDA approval. Both help people who haven’t found relief with regular antidepressants. But they work in very different ways.
So how do you pick the right one? Let’s look at the differences, so you can make a clear choice with your care team.
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS therapy, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, uses magnetic pulses to activate parts of the brain that control mood. It’s non-invasive. You won’t need anesthesia, needles, or downtime.
During a session, you sit in a comfortable chair while a device sends magnetic pulses through a coil near your scalp. Most sessions last 20 to 40 minutes. A full treatment plan usually includes daily sessions for four to six weeks.
Since TMS doesn’t use medication, side effects tend to stay mild. Some patients feel slight scalp discomfort or a mild headache. These effects usually fade fast.
What Is Spravato®?
Spravato® (esketamine) is a nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. Unlike regular antidepressants, it targets a different brain pathway. That’s why it can help patients who haven’t responded to other medications.
Your care team gives Spravato in-office under close supervision. After each dose, you’ll stay at the clinic for about two hours while your team monitors you. Most treatment plans start with two sessions a week for the first month, then move to less frequent doses.
Since Spravato is a medication, it can cause short-term side effects like dissociation, dizziness, or nausea. These effects usually go away within the monitoring window.
TMS vs. Spravato: Key Differences
Here’s a quick side-by-side look at how these treatments compare:
- How it works: TMS uses magnetic stimulation. Spravato uses medication.
- Time commitment: TMS requires daily sessions for several weeks. Spravato requires two sessions a week, then tapers off.
- Monitoring: TMS needs no recovery time. Spravato requires a two-hour observation period after each dose.
- Side effects: TMS causes mild side effects. Spravato can cause short-term dissociative effects.
- Driving: You can drive yourself home after TMS. You’ll need a ride home after Spravato, since you can’t drive until the next day.
Who Is a Good Candidate for TMS?
TMS therapy often suits patients who want to avoid medication. It also works well if you’re sensitive to drug side effects, or if daily scheduling fits your life better than a longer at-home recovery window.
Many patients pick TMS because it fits into a normal daily routine. You can return to work or drive yourself home right after each session.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Spravato?
Spravato may suit you better if you want faster symptom relief. Some patients notice improvement within the first few weeks of treatment. You can also combine it with your current antidepressant, which isn’t always possible with other treatments.
Since Spravato requires an observation period, it works best if you can plan around a two-hour appointment and arrange a ride home afterward.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
Insurance typically covers both treatments when patients meet the clinical criteria for treatment-resistant depression. Coverage details vary by provider and plan, though. Our team can verify your benefits before you start treatment, so you won’t face any surprises.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
No single answer works for everyone. Your ideal treatment depends on your medical history, your daily schedule, and how you’ve responded to past treatments. That’s why you should start with a conversation with a psychiatric provider who knows your full history.
At Gulf Coast NeuroSpa, our team evaluates each patient one-on-one. We’ll walk you through both options, answer your questions, and help you pick the path that fits your life and your goals.
Ready to explore your options? Contact Gulf Coast NeuroSpa today to schedule a consultation.