Spravato Treatment for Depression: What Patients Should Know
Depression can affect every part of daily life—from your mood and relationships to your ability to work, sleep, and enjoy activities you once loved. While traditional antidepressants help many people, some individuals continue to experience significant symptoms even after trying multiple treatments.
What Is Spravato?
Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, a prescription nasal spray. It is a medication that works differently from many traditional antidepressants.
The FDA has approved Spravato for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). It is also approved for depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder who have acute suicidal ideation or behavior, in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.
Spravato is not the same as simply using ketamine at home. It is administered under healthcare-provider supervision through a restricted safety program called the SPRAVATO REMS.
What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Treatment-resistant depression generally refers to depression that has not improved adequately after previous antidepressant treatment.
If you have tried antidepressants without getting the improvement you and your provider expected, that does not mean you have run out of options. Your healthcare provider may review your previous treatments, symptoms, medications, medical history, and overall goals to determine whether another treatment approach may be appropriate.
Spravato may be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for certain adults with treatment-resistant depression.
How Does Spravato Work?
Spravato contains esketamine, which acts on the brain’s NMDA receptors, a different pathway from many commonly prescribed antidepressants.
Because it works differently, Spravato may be considered when traditional depression treatments have not provided adequate relief.
However, response to treatment varies from person to person. Spravato should be prescribed and administered only when a qualified healthcare professional determines that it is appropriate.
What Happens During a Spravato Treatment Session?
Spravato treatment takes place in a healthcare setting rather than being taken independently at home.
1. Pre-treatment evaluation
Your healthcare provider will review your health history, medications, current symptoms, and other factors that may affect whether Spravato is appropriate for you. Blood pressure may also be assessed before treatment.
2. Supervised nasal administration
Spravato is administered as a nasal spray under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
3. Observation after treatment
Patients are monitored after receiving Spravato because the medication can cause effects such as sedation, dizziness, dissociation, and changes in blood pressure. FDA labeling requires monitoring for at least two hours after administration, followed by an assessment to determine whether the patient is clinically stable before leaving.
4. Arranging transportation
Because Spravato can temporarily affect alertness, judgment, coordination, and reaction time, patients should plan ahead for transportation and follow their provider’s instructions regarding driving. The FDA prescribing information states that patients should not drive or operate machinery until the next day after a restful sleep.
What Are the Potential Side Effects?
Like any prescription medication, Spravato can cause side effects.
Commonly reported adverse reactions include:
- Dissociation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sedation
- Vertigo
- Increased blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Feeling intoxicated
The FDA prescribing information also contains important warnings regarding sedation, dissociation, respiratory depression, increased blood pressure, cognitive impairment, and the potential for abuse or misuse.
Because of these risks, Spravato is available through the SPRAVATO REMS safety program and must be administered in an appropriate healthcare setting.
Who May Be a Candidate for Spravato?
Spravato may be considered for certain adults diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression.
Your healthcare provider may consider factors such as:
- Your depression diagnosis
- Previous antidepressant treatments
- Your response to previous medications
- Current medications
- Medical history
- Blood pressure and cardiovascular health
- Other mental health conditions
- Potential medication interactions
- Your overall treatment goals
Spravato is not appropriate for everyone. Certain medical conditions and medications may make treatment unsuitable or require additional evaluation.
A healthcare professional should determine whether Spravato is appropriate for your individual situation.
Spravato Is Part of a Comprehensive Treatment Plan
Medication is only one part of managing depression. Depending on your individual needs, your treatment plan may also include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, ongoing psychiatric care, medication management, and regular follow-up.
At Patel Family Medical, the goal is to help patients understand their options and work with their healthcare provider to develop an individualized approach to care.
Why Choose Patel Family Medical for Depression Care?
Living with depression can be challenging, especially when previous treatments have not provided the results you hoped for.
At Patel Family Medical, we focus on patient-centered care and individualized treatment planning. If you are experiencing persistent depression or have been told that you may have treatment-resistant depression, speaking with a qualified healthcare professional can help you understand what options may be available.
Take the Next Step Toward Understanding Your Treatment Options
If depression symptoms continue despite previous treatment, you may have additional options to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Contact Patel Family Medical to schedule an evaluation and learn whether Spravato or another treatment approach may be appropriate for you.
Your treatment plan should be based on your individual medical history, symptoms, and healthcare needs—not a one-size-fits-all approach.