If you have been living with depression that has not improved with standard medications, you may want to explore newer treatment options. One of those options is
SPRAVATO, a prescription nasal spray for people who struggle with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or actions.
The FDA has approved SPRAVATO as a self-administered medication, but you will take it under medical supervision in a certified healthcare setting. At Right Track Medical Group, we include SPRAVATO treatment as part of our comprehensive mental health approach. The SPRAVATO FAQs below answer common questions, helping you understand how this therapy works and what to expect.
1. What Is SPRAVATO?
SPRAVATO is the brand name for esketamine, a medication derived from ketamine. The drug works differently from traditional antidepressants. Instead of primarily targeting serotonin or norepinephrine, it affects your brain’s glutamate system, which plays a key role in your mood regulation and brain connectivity.
We may recommend SPRAVATO if you struggle with
treatment-resistant depression, meaning your symptoms have not responded to two or more standard medications. You will self-administer the medication as a nasal spray at our office, and we will monitor your response to ensure your safety.
2. How Does SPRAVATO Work?
SPRAVATO stimulates receptors in your brain that help create new neural connections. This process may improve your mood, restore emotional balance, and help your brain adapt to stress more effectively.
Unlike many antidepressants that can take several weeks to show results, you may experience improvement within 24 hours to several days after treatment begins.
3. Who May Be Eligible for SPRAVATO Treatment?
You may be a candidate for SPRAVATO if you:
- Have a diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression
- Have not responded to at least two antidepressant medications
- Experience major depression with suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Are medically stable and able to attend in-office treatment sessions
We will complete a thorough evaluation to determine whether this therapy is appropriate for your needs.
4. What Happens During a SPRAVATO Appointment?
Your treatment session happens in a comfortable clinical setting. During the visit, you self-administer the nasal spray while we monitor your vital signs and symptoms for at least two hours. We will watch for potential side effects such as sedation or dizziness.
The medication can temporarily affect your ability to drive, so you will need someone to take you home after your appointment.
5. How Often Will You Receive Treatment?
SPRAVATO treatment typically follows a structured schedule. During the initial phase, you receive two treatments per week for several weeks, followed by fewer sessions during the maintenance phase. Our clinicians adjust your treatment plan based on your response and overall health.
6. Is SPRAVATO Safe?
Researchers have studied SPRAVATO extensively, and patients self-administer the medicine under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals in certified facilities. It is only available through restricted programs to ensure proper monitoring. Like any medication, it may cause side effects, such as:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Increased blood pressure
- Temporary feelings of dissociation
Most side effects are temporary and resolve within a few hours after treatment.
7. Will Insurance Cover SPRAVATO?
Insurance coverage for SPRAVATO varies depending on your insurance provider, plan, and medical history. Many insurance companies cover treatment when you meet the medical necessity criteria, particularly for treatment-resistant depression.
Our care team at Right Track Medical Group can help you verify benefits, explain costs, and guide you through the approval process.
8. How Do You Get Started With SPRAVATO?
The first step is
scheduling an evaluation with a qualified provider. During this visit, your healthcare team will review your medical history, current symptoms, and previous treatments.
If you qualify, we will create a personalized treatment plan designed to support your recovery and long-term mental health.
