NMDA Therapy
NMDA stands for N-methyl-D-aspartate which is a type of glutamate receptor in the brain and has been FDA approved as of 2019. Patient's have reported relief from their anxiety and/or depression symptoms as soon as 24 hours after taking Spravato.
Think of the NMDA receptor as a special playground gate on a schoolyard.
The gate only opens if two things happen at the same time:
The playground helper (glutamate) comes with the key.
The kids inside are already a bit active and ready to play — not just sitting quietly.
When both conditions are met, the gate swings open and special visitors (tiny calcium particles) can come in. These visitors bring new games, help build stronger friendships, and even put up new playground equipment.
This helps the “playground” (your brain) learn new skills, remember things, and stay flexible so it can adapt to new games and challenges.
The long name N-methyl-D-aspartate comes from a “practice key” scientists use in the lab to open the playground gate when they’re studying how it works — but in your brain, it’s mainly glutamate doing the unlocking.
Who can benefit from the NMDA therapy, Spravato?
Treatment resistant depression (TRD) and/or treatment resistant anxiety (TRA) are conditions that Spravato can help treat. Those with TRD/TRA that benefit from the NMDA treatment Spravato normally try two traditional forms of antidepressant treatments such as Prozac or Zoloft with unsuccessful results before trying this innovative treatment.