Spravato®

FDA-Approved esketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression.

FDA-Approved

Insurance-Covered

Fast-Acting

Hudson Mind Spravato spray bottle

How does Spravato Work?

Spravato is made from a derivative of ketamine called Esketamine (S-ketamine). This active ingredient sets off a chain of biological processes that boost the neurotransmitter Glutamate in regions of the brain associated with mood.1
Depression is associated with a decrease in Glutamate, which affects the brain’s overall functioning.
Studies have shown that activating Glutamate signaling can boost neuroplasticity to help the brain restore synaptic connections that may have been impacted by depression. The more plastic our brains are, the better we are able to respond to stress.

Depression is considered treatment-resistant once someone does not respond to at least two different antidepressants. 2

blue white and black circle illustration with text of thirty percent in center
30% of people with depression do not respond to antidepressants.3
blue white and black circle illustration with text of sixty four percent in center
64% of patients with treatment-resistant depression reported a significant reduction in depressive symptoms after taking Spravato for 3 months.4

Spravato Treatment Timeline

Weeks 1-4
spravato therapy calendar for weeks 1-4 of treatment
Weeks 5-8 
An illustrated calendar showing a once-a-week spravato treatment schedule
Weeks 9+
An illustrated calendar showing a bi-weekly spravato treatment scheduled

What To Expect During Spravato Treatment

woman with long brunette hair holding her head in her hands as she stares into the camera.
Step 1
Our team will show you how to self-administer the nasal spray.
Step 2
Relax in our office for up to two hours while we monitor for side effects.

Following your treatment you may experience feelings of dissociation, as though you are able to step outside of yourself and view your life from a new vantage point. Or you may experience visual or auditory hallucinations. These side effects typically wear off within two hours. 

*Spravato is not a take-home medication. It must be taken in-office, under the supervision of Hudson Mind’s clinical team.

Spravato vs.
IV Ketamine Therapy

Spravato IV Ketamine Therapy
Bioavailability 25%-50% 100%
FDA-Approval Yes No
Covered by
Insurance
Yes No
Medication
Requirements
Spravato should be taken
in conjunction with an oral
antidepressant. 5
None

Common Questions

This nasal spray medication treats depression by blocking NMDA receptors, which are part of the brain’s glutamate system. Unlike traditional antidepressants that mainly focus on serotonin and similar chemicals, esketamine works differently and much faster. It is believed to improve connections between brain cells, especially in areas that control mood, like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, helping relieve symptoms of depression. (6)

In a Spravato short-term study, more patients who receive the nasal esketamine spray in addition to an oral antidepressant demonstrated “rapid and superior” reduction in depressive symptoms at four weeks compared to those who received placebo plus an oral antidepressant. The study also found that many patients began to experience a reduction in depression symptoms around the 24 hour mark. The results from a Spravato long-term study indicate that patients who continue to take the nasal spray for depression may be less likely to experience a relapse.

 

Since this nasal spray is derived from ketamine, it’s administered only in-office under medical supervision. Due to potential side effects like dissociation, sedation, and the risk of misuse, Spravato is not available as a take-home treatment.

When used under strict medical supervision, ketamine is not considered to be highly addictive. But ketamine has the potential for misuse, and subsequently addiction, when it is taken recreationally or not under medical supervision. And some animal studies indicate that repeated low-dose infusions may elicit addictive responses. People with a history of drug addiction may be more likely to develop an addiction. 

If you are interested in exploring ketamine therapy for a treatment-resistant condition, it is vital to seek out doctors who complete thorough medical screenings and closely monitor your progress and response to ketamine. 

In preparation for your Spravato treatment, it is critical to relay your full medical and depression treatment history. Your doctor will need to review your medical history to ensure that receiving Spravato does not put you at risk due to contraindications. Be sure to include your full list of current medications, including vitamins and herbal supplements.

Anyone with the following conditions or circumstances should not take Spravato:

  • Known allergy to esketamine, medicines similar to ketamine, or other ingredients included in Spravato.
  • A history of aneurysm, bleeding in the brain or abnormal connections between blood vessels.
  • A history of heart, brain or liver problems
  • Psychosis
  • Pregnancy (or planning to become pregnant)
  • Currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed

Though reading a Spravato review can give you a good sense of what treatment is like, it’s important to remember that not everyone has the same experience. If you’re wondering whether Spravato is a good fit for you based on your symptoms and depression treatment history, it’s best to speak to a licensed Psychiatrist who can assess your candidacy and goals.

Spravato cost may vary based on several factors, including your location, insurance coverage. If you want to learn more about Spravato prices, please schedule your free Discovery Call here or call/text: (646) 906-8703

Spravato may be covered by your insurance, depending on your carrier and plan.

If you’ve recently searched for “Spravato treatments near me,” you may have noticed an increasing number of clinics offering this FDA-approved therapy for depression. To ensure you receive safe and effective treatment, it’s crucial to seek guidance from certified medical clinics and licensed psychiatrists. Additionally, consulting your healthcare provider for recommendations or using online directories can help you find reputable facilities that offer Spravato treatments. For anyone in the NYC area, Hudson Mind is located in the West Village and easily accessible by most major subway lines.

You may experience mild side effects, including dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, dissociation (a feeling of detachment), increased blood pressure, and headache. These side effects typically occur shortly after administration and generally subside within a few hours.

patients are advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery for the rest of the day following a Spravato treatment due to potential drowsiness and impaired coordination. It’s recommended to arrange for transportation after each session.

The duration of Spravato treatment varies based on individual response. Some may require maintenance treatments every few weeks, while others may taper off under their doctor’s guidance. A personalized plan will be created with the healthcare provider..

  1. https://physicians.mountsinai.org/news/five-things-to-know-about-esketamine
  2. Gaynes BN, Lux L, Gartlehner G, Asher G, Forman-Hoffman V, Green J, Boland E, Weber RP, Randolph C, Bann C, Coker-Schwimmer E, Viswanathan M, Lohr KN. Defining treatment-resistant depression. Depress Anxiety. 2020 Feb;37(2):134-145. doi: 10.1002/da.22968. Epub 2019 Oct 22. PMID: 31638723.
  3. Zhdanava M, Pilon D, Ghelerter I, Chow W, Joshi K, Lefebvre P, Sheehan JJ. The Prevalence and National Burden of Treatment-Resistant Depression and Major Depressive Disorder in the United States. J Clin Psychiatry. 2021 Mar 16;82(2):20m13699. doi: 10.4088/JCP.20m13699. PMID: 33989464.
  4. https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.janssenscience.com/products/spravato/medical-content/real-world-evidence-effectiveness-and-safety-of-spravato-therapy&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1695330142650904&usg=AOvVaw3Fj2C8YBCa2i0FOKVZGjXp
  5. https://www.spravatohcp.com/faq
  6. De Berardis D, Tomasetti C, Pompili M, Serafini G, Vellante F, Fornaro M, Valchera A, Perna G, Volpe U, Martinotti G, Fraticelli S, Di Giannantonio M, Kim YK, Orsolini L. An Update on Glutamatergic System in Suicidal Depression and on the Role of Esketamine. Curr Top Med Chem. 2020;20(7):554-584. doi: 10.2174/1568026620666200131100316. PMID: 32003691.

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