Seeking medical care for depression takes considerable strength and effort. It can feel discouraging when first-line treatments fail to provide the relief you need, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
At Sydea Medical Practice in Irvine, California, we provide specialized care for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Venice Sanchez, MD, and our team offer innovative alternative therapies like Spravato® and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which work differently from traditional oral antidepressants.
If you’re still struggling with depression symptoms after trying multiple medications, there may be another way forward. Here’s a closer look at how TMS and Spravato can help you regain your quality of life.
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy.
Experts estimate that about 30% of people with MDD experience treatment-resistant depression, where symptoms fail to improve sufficiently after trying two or more antidepressant medications. Some patients notice no change at all, while others respond partially but continue to experience disruptive symptoms.
Despite how it may sound, having treatment-resistant depression doesn’t mean your condition is untreatable or that you have to live with ongoing symptoms. Other approaches can provide meaningful improvement when standard medications fall short.
TMS is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas involved in mood regulation. The stimulation increases nerve activity in these regions, which may help alleviate symptoms of depression.
The treatment takes place in our office over a series of 20-minute sessions, typically five days a week for four to six weeks.
You remain awake during your session, and you can resume your normal activities immediately afterward. Mild, temporary scalp discomfort or headaches may develop during or after treatment.
Delivered as an intranasal spray, Spravato (esketamine) is a form of ketamine approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression. It works through a different mechanism in the brain than traditional antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs, offering rapid relief from symptoms.
You take Spravato in our office under medical supervision, usually alongside an oral antidepressant. Our team monitors you for at least two hours after your dose, as you may experience temporary sedation or dissociation.
For most patients, treatment begins with two sessions per week for four weeks, gradually tapering to less frequent appointments based on your response.
Everyone’s brain chemistry is unique, and what works for one person with depression may not be right for you. Dr. Sanchez performs an in-depth evaluation to determine the most appropriate next step in your care, whether that includes TMS, Spravato, or a combination of options.
If your current treatment plan isn’t providing the relief you need, our compassionate team is here to help you find a solution that works. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at Sydea Medical Practice in Irvine, California.
