Spravato
SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is the first FDA-approved nasal spray medication, taken with an oral antidepressant, for treatment-resistant depression in adults who’ve tried two or more antidepressants* without sufficient relief.
Spravato
at a Glance
- Indication: Treatment-resistant depression (adults)
- Medication type: Esketamine nasal spray
- Used with: An oral antidepressant
- Administered: In-office under medical supervision
- Monitoring time: At least 2 hours per session
- Important: You cannot drive on treatment days
- Next step: Schedule a psychiatric evaluation
What is
Spravato
?
Spravato® is a prescription nasal spray medication approved by the FDA for adults who have not experienced adequate relief after trying two or more antidepressants.
It works differently than traditional antidepressants by targeting the brain’s glutamate system, which plays a role in mood regulation and neural connectivity.
Spravato® is always used in combination with an oral antidepressant and administered under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Who is this for?
Spravato® may be appropriate if you:
- Have tried two or more antidepressants without sufficient improvement
- Have been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression
- Continue to experience significant depressive symptoms despite treatment
- Are medically appropriate for in-office monitored care
Spravato® is not approved for use in children or individuals who are pregnant.
A psychiatric evaluation is required to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
What to Expect
Your treatment process typically includes:
- A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
- Determination of eligibility for Spravato®
- In-office administration of the nasal spray
- Monitoring for at least two hours after each treatment
- Ongoing follow-up appointments
You will need transportation home after each session and should not drive or operate machinery until the following day after a full night of rest.
How Spravato® Works
Spravato® (esketamine) acts on NMDA receptors in the brain, leading to increased glutamate activity. This process is believed to help restore synaptic connections that may be affected in depression.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which primarily target serotonin or norepinephrine, Spravato® works through a different biological pathway.
Possible Side Effects
Common side effects may include:
- Dissociation (feeling disconnected)
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sleepiness
- Increased blood pressure
- Feeling anxious or restless
These effects typically occur shortly after administration and often resolve the same day.
More serious risks include sedation, temporary increases in blood pressure, and rare but important safety concerns. Because of this, Spravato® is administered only in a monitored clinical setting.
Your provider will review all risks and benefits before beginning treatment.
Common Questions
▸ Is Spravato® the same as ketamine?
Spravato® contains esketamine, a form of ketamine approved by the FDA and administered in a controlled medical setting.
▸ How often are treatments given?
Treatment frequency varies, especially during the initial phase. Your provider will outline a schedule based on FDA guidelines and your response.
▸ How quickly does it work?
Some patients experience improvement within weeks, though response varies.
Click here to download a sample Spravato Treatment Plan.
Ready to Schedule?
A psychiatric evaluation is the first step in determining whether Spravato® is right for you.
Additional Information
Doctors answer patients’ top 9 questions about SPRAVATO®. Be sure to watch the entire video to get the full SPRAVATO® story, including safety information.
SPRAVATO® helped Nicole’s treatment-resistant depression. Now, she’s resuming her education and sharing her story.
Contact us today for a consultation to see if Spravato is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spravato (esketamine)?
- Spravato is a nasal spray medication containing esketamine, a form of ketamine. It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of adults with treatment-resistant depression.
How does Spravato work for treating Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)?
- Esketamine, the active ingredient in Spravato, is believed to work differently from traditional antidepressants. It modulates glutamate, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, to help alleviate symptoms of depression.
Who is a candidate for Spravato treatment?
- Spravato is typically prescribed for adults with treatment-resistant depression, meaning they have not responded adequately to at least two different antidepressant treatments.
What is the treatment procedure for Spravato?
- Spravato is administered as a nasal spray under the supervision of a healthcare professional in a certified treatment center. The initial treatment phase may involve twice-weekly sessions, followed by a maintenance phase with less frequent administration.
Are there any side effects of Spravato?
- Common side effects may include dissociation, dizziness, nausea, and an increase in blood pressure. It’s important to report any side effects to the healthcare provider.
How soon can one expect to see results with Spravato?
- Individual responses may vary, but some patients may experience improvements in symptoms within a few weeks of starting Spravato treatment.
Can Spravato be used in combination with other antidepressants?
- In some cases, Spravato may be prescribed in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. The healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual needs.
Is Spravato covered by insurance?
- Coverage may vary, and it’s crucial to check with your insurance provider. Some plans may cover Spravato for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression.
How long is a typical Spravato treatment session?
- The administration of Spravato typically takes about 1-2 hours, including monitoring time after the nasal spray is given.
Are there any contraindications for Spravato?
- Certain medical conditions may be contraindications for Spravato use. It’s important to inform the healthcare provider about any existing health issues or medications to ensure safety.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized information and advice related to Spravato and its potential benefits for treating Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).