What is Spravato® (Nasal Ketamine)?
Proven. Effective. FDA-Approved Nasal Ketamine Therapy.
If traditional antidepressants have failed, Spravato® at My Mental Health Matters Psychiatric Services may be the breakthrough you’ve been seeking. Spravato® is the only FDA-approved form of nasal ketamine therapy for depression. It is clinically proven to reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD), even for patients experiencing suicidal ideation.
Unlike traditional antidepressants that act on serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine, Spravato® works by targeting the glutamate system, leading to rapid improvements in mood and rewiring of neural pathways to form healthier thinking patterns. It is administered via nasal spray under the supervision of trained clinical staff in a safe, supportive setting. Most insurance plans cover this treatment.
How does Spravato® work?
Spravato® (Nasal Ketamine) is a glutamate receptor modulator delivered as a nasal spray. Once absorbed, it targets the NMDA receptor, which plays a key role in mood regulation and neuroplasticity.
Key Mechanisms:
Neuroplasticity, Synaptic Growth, & Glutamate Regulation
Esketamine promotes the development of new synaptic connections in the brain, which can help reset negative thought patterns associated with depression. By balancing glutamate levels, a neurotransmitter essential to mood and cognition, Spravato® can produce rapid and sustained symptom relief.
Scientific Evidence
Backed by more than a decade of research and almost six years of real-world evidence, SPRAVATO® has proven to be a transformational treatment option for many patients with TRD by reducing depression symptoms in as little as 24 hours and reducing the time to relapse for patients who stay on treatment. To date, SPRAVATO® has been administered to more than 140,000 patients worldwide.
What do I expect during Spravato® therapy?
At My Mental Health Matters Psychiatric Services, we adhere strictly to the FDA-approved Spravato® treatment protocol. Your journey begins with an initial Telehealth consultation, during which our experienced medical team will conduct a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and psychiatric/medical history. Based on this assessment, we typically follow the treatment schedule outlined below:
– Introduction phase: Twice weekly for 4 weeks
– Optimization phase: Once weekly for 4 weeks
– Maintenance phase: Once every 2 weeks
– Ongoing Maintenance Phase: Once every 3 to 4 weeks until we have achieved symptom stabilization
After your initial therapy, we will closely monitor your progress to ensure you are not experiencing side effects.
Is Spravato® covered by insurance?
Spravato® is covered by most insurance plans for patients who meet the medical criteria, typically those diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who have not responded adequately to other antidepressant medications. If you qualify for Spravato®, your health insurance will generally cover both the cost of the medication and the supervised treatment sessions, leaving you responsible only for a co-pay or deductible, similar to what you would pay for a regular specialist visit.
At My Mental Health Matters Psychiatric Services, we work with a wide range of insurance providers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare/Optum, Point32/Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts, Commonwealth Care Alliance (CCA), WellSense, Medicare, ComPsych, and more. Our team will support you through the insurance verification and authorization process to ensure a smooth start to your treatment.
Spravato® with Me
To further support patients, Janssen Pharmaceuticals offers Spravato® with Me, a personalized assistance program designed to guide you through every step of your Spravato® journey. This program provides help with verifying insurance benefits, navigating prior authorizations, and offering financial support resources for eligible patients. It also includes access to educational tools, treatment reminders, and a dedicated support team to answer your questions and keep you informed. Spravato® with Me is designed to make accessing and continuing this life-changing treatment easier, more affordable, and fully supported.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Spravato®?
Spravato® is an FDA-approved nasal spray form of esketamine, a part of the ketamine molecule. Originally used as an anesthetic, esketamine has also been shown to help relieve depression symptoms, especially in people who haven’t responded to other treatments.
Is it FDA-approved?
Yes. Spravato® was approved by the FDA on March 5, 2019 for depression treatment and it is covered by most insurance.
Who is Spravato® for?
Spravato® is for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts, especially if they have tried at least two antidepressants without success. Symptoms of MDD include low mood, low energy, poor sleep, appetite changes, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts.
What is the difference between Spravato and Ketamine?
Spravato® and ketamine infusion are closely related, but they differ in important ways. Spravato® is the brand name for esketamine, which is a more refined version of ketamine, it uses only the S-enantiomer of the molecule, making it more targeted and effective at lower doses. Spravato® is FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression and depression with suicidal thoughts, while ketamine is only FDA-approved as an anesthetic and is used off-label for depression. Because of this, Spravato® must be administered in a certified clinic under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program, meaning patients are monitored for at least two hours after each dose for safety. It is given as a nasal spray, whereas ketamine is usually given through an IV infusion or injection. Both medications act on the glutamate system in the brain, helping to rapidly reduce symptoms of depression by promoting new connections between brain cells (neuroplasticity). While both can be effective, Spravato® is generally covered by insurance, making it more accessible for many patients, whereas ketamine infusions are typically not covered and can be costly. Overall, Spravato® offers a more regulated, safer, and insurance-friendly option for patients who qualify.
What are the common side effects of Spravato®?
Common side effects include feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feelings and things around you, dizziness, nausea, feeling sleepy, spinning sensation, decreased feeling of sensitivity (numbness), feeling anxious, lack of energy, increased blood pressure, vomiting, feeling drunk, headache, feeling very happy or excited. If these common side effects occur, they usually happen right after taking SPRAVATO® and go away the same day.
What should I avoid while taking SPRAVATO®?
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything where you need to be completely alert after taking SPRAVATO®. Do not take part in these activities until the next day following a restful sleep.
How do I get prescribed Spravato®?
You will start by completing an intake assessment with one of our advanced providers. We’ll review your medical and psychiatric history to determine if you meet clinical and insurance criteria. Most insurance plans require prior authorization before treatment can begin. Once approved, you will be able to begin Spravato® treatment.
How long do people stay on Spravato®?
Most start with twice-weekly treatments for 4 weeks, then once a week for 4 weeks. After that, maintenance treatments are usually every 2–4 weeks, based on individual needs and symptom control.
How is Spravato® different from IV ketamine?
Spravato® is FDA-approved and administered nasally under medical supervision. IV ketamine is only used off-label through direct administration by a healthcare provider.
How much does Spravato® cost?
When covered by insurance, the cost is often similar to a regular mental health visit, sometimes as low as $10 per session. Final out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan and deductible.