Spravato (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray that is used to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression. Treatment-resistant depression is diagnosed after you have tried at least one other antidepressant medication without experiencing significant results.
Spravato works differently than traditional antidepressants, and each dose must be administered under medical supervision in a certified clinic. A common question our patients ask is, “How many weeks long is a Spravato treatment?” The answer depends on several factors.
Let’s break down the typical treatment schedule, including how often sessions occur and what to expect during each phase.
Spravato is a prescription nasal spray that contains esketamine, which is a fast-acting form of ketamine. It is used with an oral antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression. It cannot be taken at home and must be administered in a clinical setting where you are monitored for at least two hours after each dose. This is due to potential side effects like sedation or increased blood pressure.
Other common side effects include nausea, headache, and dissociation (a sense of detachment from reality). These side effects may occur shortly after receiving your dose, but they typically resolve within a few hours.
Before beginning treatment, we will review your medical history, including current medications, to ensure your safety and help identify factors that may increase your risk of side effects. We will also monitor you during and after each session.
Spravato treatments occur in two phases. The first is called the initial phase or induction phase, where you receive the medication twice a week for four weeks. Each session begins with the administration of the nasal spray under the direct supervision of a medical professional.
After getting your dose, you will remain at our clinic for at least two hours so we can monitor you for side effects like dizziness, sedation, or increased blood pressure. Because of these effects, you will not be allowed to drive until the next day. This means you will need someone to drop you off and pick you up after each treatment.
This induction phase is designed to help reduce depressive symptoms quickly and establish initial stability before moving on to a less frequent dosing schedule.
After the first four weeks of treatment, you will transition into the maintenance phase, which occurs from weeks five to eight. Most people receive the nasal spray once per week during this phase.
After week eight, your dosage may be reduced to once every two weeks, depending on how well you respond. A typical course of treatment lasts at least two months, and many people continue maintenance sessions for longer periods to prevent relapse and maintain their results.
However, your treatment frequency is tailored to your needs and how you respond to the therapy. It can be adjusted based on symptom recurrence, overall progress, and ongoing evaluations.
Some people begin to notice relief from depression symptoms within hours or days of their first few treatments. However, most people experience meaningful improvement after several sessions over four to six weeks. Continued monitoring during this time helps us evaluate your progress and determine how to adjust the treatment plan so you experience optimal results.
The length of your Spravato treatment will vary based on several factors, including any co-occurring mental health conditions and the severity of your depression. Because every person responds differently, ongoing reassessment helps us ensure that the treatment is appropriate and effective over time.
Dealing with treatment-resistant depression is challenging and often overwhelming. At The Grant Group, our psychiatrists understand how treatment-resistant depression can affect your quality of life. It is our mission to help reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Call us today for a consultation to find out how many weeks long a Spravato treatment is – and whether it is the right option for you.