Depression treatment often starts with oral antidepressants and therapy. Some adults try several medications, but their symptoms continue. For these adults, a provider may discuss other treatment options. SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is a prescription nasal spray for certain adults with depression.
Understanding the Medication
SPRAVATO is a nasal spray, and you use it only in a certified treatment setting. You do not take SPRAVATO at home. Many traditional antidepressants are daily pills taken at home. These differences affect how treatment is scheduled and monitored. Your provider will review your current medications and determine which combination fits your care. The nasal spray is self-administered during your appointment, and a staff member stays with you throughout the process. Each session follows a structured format, and your care team tracks your response over time. Treatment frequency is higher at the start, and it decreases as your care plan progresses. Your provider uses your response data to guide next steps. Some people continue to have symptoms after previous treatment, and others have tried antidepressants without enough improvement.
Preparing for Your Evaluation
Before you start SPRAVATO, you’ll meet with a provider to review your symptoms and health history. Treatment begins with a psychiatric evaluation. Answer as honestly as you can, and don’t leave out details that seem minor. Every piece of information helps your provider determine whether SPRAVATO is right for you. To make the most of this appointment, come prepared with the following:
- Lists of your current prescriptions and supplements
- Records of which antidepressants you have tried and how long you took each one
- Details about how long you have experienced symptoms and how they affect your daily life
- Notes about sleep, appetite, mood, and your ability to function at work or home
Attending Your Treatment Sessions
SPRAVATO treatment takes place in person. You’ll give yourself the nasal spray, and your care team will supervise each dose. During monitoring, staff check how you feel and respond. They track your blood pressure and condition throughout the observation period. You leave after the observation period ends and your care team confirms you are ready. Plan to have someone drive you home after each session, as you should not drive on the day of treatment. Ask your provider about transportation rules before your first session. Treatment involves a series of appointments. Since the frequency of visits changes over time, it follows your individual care plan.
Sessions are more frequent at the start of treatment, and they taper as your provider assesses your response. Missing sessions can affect your results, so build your schedule around these appointments from the start. Your provider tracks your symptoms at each stage and adjusts your plan as your needs change. At each visit, your care team may ask about changes in mood, sleep, energy, or daily functioning. Keeping a simple log of your symptoms between visits helps your provider make informed adjustments. Share any concerns promptly, and your team can respond before small changes become larger issues.
Discuss Spravato Today
A consultation is the first step. You can review your history with a provider, and you will ask questions about SPRAVATO. Your provider will also explain possible benefits and risks. If symptoms have continued despite treatment, schedule a psychiatric evaluation, and your provider will discuss your options. Contact your office to book your appointment.
