"AMPA" in Depression Care: The Brain Receptor vs the TMS Device
AMPA receptors are glutamate receptors in the brain that help neurons strengthen their connections (neuroplasticity). Research suggests ketamine and esketamine (Spravato®) relieve depression partly by boosting AMPA-receptor signaling. Ampa One is an unrelated TMS device that shares the name. Both approaches aim to help the brain rewire, which is why some clinics, including ours, offer both. Individual results vary. No outcome is guaranteed. Coverage varies by plan. Ampa One is available by prescription after a clinical evaluation.
Key takeaways
- AMPA receptors are glutamate receptors that help neurons strengthen connections (neuroplasticity).
- Ketamine and esketamine (Spravato®) may relieve depression partly by boosting AMPA-receptor signaling.
- Ampa One is a TMS device that shares the name 'Ampa' but is unrelated to the receptor.
- Both approaches aim to help the brain rewire, which is why some clinics offer both.
Quick answer
AMPA receptors are glutamate receptors in the brain that help neurons strengthen their connections (neuroplasticity). Research suggests ketamine and esketamine (Spravato®) relieve depression partly by boosting AMPA-receptor signaling. Ampa One is an unrelated TMS device that shares the name. Both approaches aim to help the brain rewire, which is why some clinics, including ours, offer both.
What AMPA receptors do
AMPA receptors are a type of glutamate receptor — the most common excitatory receptor in the brain. When glutamate binds an AMPA receptor, the neuron is more likely to fire, and repeated activation helps strengthen the connection between two neurons. That strengthening is called neuroplasticity, and it is the basis of learning and adaptation. Depression is associated with reduced neuroplasticity in key brain regions, so treatments that restore it are a major focus of current research.
How ketamine and Spravato® involve AMPA receptors
Ketamine and esketamine (Spravato®) are thought to relieve depression partly by boosting AMPA-receptor signaling. Ketamine blocks the NMDA receptor, which triggers a cascade that increases AMPA-receptor activity and, in turn, promotes neuroplasticity. This is one leading theory for why glutamate-based treatments can work quickly in patients who have not responded to monoamine antidepressants. See Spravato vs ketamine.
What Ampa One TMS is
Ampa One is an FDA-cleared transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device for major depressive disorder in adults who have not improved enough on antidepressants. It uses camera-guided targeting with a pre-printed cap and delivers magnetic pulses to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to stimulate that region. It shares the name 'Ampa' with the AMPA receptor but is unrelated. See Ampa One TMS in Florida.
Can ketamine/Spravato® and TMS be combined?
Combining ketamine or Spravato® with TMS is a physician decision based on your history and diagnosis. There is no rule against it, and some patients benefit from a combined approach that targets depression from more than one angle, but it is not right for everyone. Our psychiatrists decide based on your situation. See TMS vs Spravato and Spravato vs ketamine.
Understanding SAINT® TMS: How It Works & What to Expect
SAINT® is an FDA-cleared treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not improved on antidepressants in the current episode. These videos explain how it works and how it differs from conventional TMS.
SAINT® is an FDA-cleared, fMRI-guided form of TMS developed at Stanford. Most patients complete treatment in one week — not the six weeks standard TMS requires.
Follow a real patient through the five-day SAINT® treatment week
Is SAINT® TMS Right for You?
Tried antidepressants without enough relief? SAINT® TMS is an FDA-cleared, fMRI-guided treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not improved enough with antidepressant medication.
SAINT® uses a personalized brain target and delivers treatment over five consecutive days. It differs from standard TMS in its targeting approach, treatment schedule, and research background. In a small randomized trial, 11 of 14 people receiving active treatment reached remission at the four-week assessment, compared with 2 of 15 receiving sham treatment. Results vary, and a five-day treatment course does not guarantee remission in five days.
How SAINT® Works and How It Differs From Conventional TMS
SAINT® is an FDA-cleared treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not improved on antidepressants in the current episode. This video explains how it works, and how it differs from conventional TMS.
Conventional TMS usually means about 30 visits over 6 to 9 weeks. SAINT is five visits over five days.
What makes it different: SAINT® uses an fMRI brain scan to personalize the stimulation target to your individual brain. A 45-minute scan maps your brain and identifies the specific circuit linked to depression. Treatment is then delivered as ten 10-minute sessions per day, with 50-minute breaks between them, across five consecutive days.
In clinical trials, 79% of participants reached remission, with an average of 2.6 days to remission. SAINT is generally well tolerated; the most common side effects reported were mild headache and temporary scalp discomfort at the treatment site.
SAINT® at Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of America
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Sources: Cole et al., American Journal of Psychiatry 2020;177:716-726 and 2022;179(2):132-141. magnusmedical.com/depression-therapy. PubMed 34711062. FDA 510(k) K220177.
Insurance coverage for SAINT is currently limited and varies by plan. Individual results may vary. This video is educational and is not medical advice. Talk to a qualified clinician about whether SAINT is appropriate for you. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AMPA?
AMPA has two meanings in depression care. AMPA receptors are glutamate receptors in the brain that help neurons strengthen their connections (neuroplasticity). Ampa One is an unrelated TMS device that shares the name. Research suggests ketamine and esketamine (Spravato®) relieve depression partly by boosting AMPA-receptor signaling. Both approaches aim to help the brain rewire.
What do AMPA receptors have to do with depression?
AMPA receptors are glutamate receptors that help neurons strengthen their connections — a process called neuroplasticity that depression can impair. Research suggests ketamine and esketamine (Spravato®) relieve depression partly by boosting AMPA-receptor signaling, which helps the brain form new connections. This is one theory for why glutamate-based treatments can work when monoamine antidepressants have not.
Is Ampa TMS related to AMPA receptors?
No. Ampa One is a TMS device that shares the name 'Ampa' with the AMPA receptor, but they are unrelated. Ampa One delivers magnetic stimulation to the prefrontal cortex; AMPA receptors are proteins on neurons. The name overlap is a coincidence. Both approaches aim to help the brain rewire, which is why some clinics, including ours, offer both.
Can I do Spravato and TMS together?
Combining Spravato® (esketamine) and TMS is a physician decision based on your history and diagnosis. There is no rule against it, and some patients benefit from a combined approach, but it is not right for everyone. Our psychiatrists decide based on your situation. See [[Spravato vs ketamine|/spravato-vs-ketamine]] and [[TMS vs Spravato|/learn/tms-vs-spravato]].
Cited Research
Important Safety Information
Individual results vary. No outcome is guaranteed. Coverage varies by plan. Ampa One is available by prescription after a clinical evaluation. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
SAINT® is delivered only by verified providers on the Magnus Medical system. Programs described as SAINT “alternatives”, “equivalents” or “fMRI-guided accelerated TMS” are not SAINT®, are not affiliated with us, and SAINT® results do not apply to them. Read our SAINT® disclaimer.
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Ampa and Ampa One are trademarks of Ampa Inc. Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of America is an independent provider and is not owned by Ampa.
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