Understanding SPRAVATO®
Learn more about SPRAVATO® treatment and what patients may expect during monitored in-office care.
Understanding SPRAVATO®
What to Expect
SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is a prescription nasal spray that may be considered for certain patients with depression when other treatments have not provided enough relief.
SPRAVATO® works differently from traditional oral antidepressant medications.
Treatment is given under the supervision of a healthcare professional with appropriate monitoring.
Your provider will review your symptoms, medical history, current medications, and treatment history before deciding whether SPRAVATO® may be appropriate.
SPRAVATO® is a prescription treatment and requires evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider. Individual eligibility, response, and treatment recommendations may vary.
Rapid relief for treatment-resistant depression under medical supervision.
SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder with acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
It works by blocking the NMDA receptor on glutamate neurons, increasing glutamate signaling and activating downstream pathways that enhance synaptic plasticity and the formation of new neural connections in brain circuits responsible for mood, motivation, and emotional regulation.
This mechanism may lead to faster improvement in depressive symptoms compared to traditional antidepressants, especially in severe or urgent cases.
Because of its effects on the central nervous system—including sedation, dissociation, and blood pressure increases— SPRAVATO® is only administered in a certified healthcare setting under the FDA REMS safety program.
Every SPRAVATO® session takes place in a supervised clinical environment with monitoring before, during, and after treatment.
Targets glutamate pathways involved in mood regulation.
An option for patients who have failed multiple antidepressants.
Treatment is administered and monitored in the office.
For treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation.
Covered by most commercial insurance plans when eligibility requirements are met.
SPRAVATO® is self-administered as a nasal spray under direct clinical supervision.
Patients remain in-office for a minimum of 2 hours after each dose.
Before dosing • ~40 minutes after administration • At discharge
Patients must leave with a responsible adult driver and cannot drive until the following day after restful sleep.
SPRAVATO® follows a structured treatment protocol.
Initial treatment phase
Continued treatment phase
Based on response and clinical stability
Treatment duration is individualized based on response and clinical stability.
SPRAVATO® must be administered under strict FDA REMS requirements due to safety considerations including:
Patients are continuously monitored by trained clinical staff throughout treatment.
No food for at least 2 hours before treatment.
No liquids for at least 30 minutes before treatment.
Avoid alcohol or recreational substances on treatment days.
Nasal medications should be taken at least 1 hour prior if needed.
Bring calming music or audio for comfort.
Useful for creating a more relaxing treatment environment.
Bring a blanket or wear comfortable clothing.
For pre- or post-session use only.
SPRAVATO® is covered by most major commercial insurance plans when clinical criteria are met for treatment-resistant depression.
Our team handles:
When clinically appropriate, supportive medications and interventions may include:
All care follows FDA REMS safety requirements and prescribing standards.
SPRAVATO® is contraindicated in patients with:
It may not be appropriate in patients where blood pressure or intracranial pressure elevation poses a serious risk.
All treatment rooms are equipped for medical emergencies. In the rare event of anaphylaxis, epinephrine is administered immediately per standard emergency protocols.
If you or a loved one is struggling with severe depression or suicidal thoughts, SPRAVATO® may offer a path toward stabilization and recovery.
Call or request an appointment today to determine eligibility and insurance coverage.
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Mental health concerns don't always follow a traditional schedule, and neither do we. Reach out to our team for general questions and information about our services.
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