What Is Spravato Treatment?

Spravato® is an FDA-approved nasal spray for depression, used to treat:

  • Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults
  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors

This therapy involves ketamine nasal spray therapy, specifically esketamine, which works on NMDA receptors in the brain, a mechanism different from traditional antidepressants. If you’re researching “what is Spravato treatment” or “how does Spravato work for depression,” you’re not alone. It’s designed to rapidly reduce symptoms where oral medications have failed.

At Excel Psychiatry, we are a certified Spravato treatment center in McKinney, TX, offering innovative care for patients struggling with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal ideation. If traditional antidepressants haven’t worked for you, Spravato® (esketamine) may offer a new path forward.

Spravato
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How Does Spravato Work?

Spravato is believed to rebalance glutamate, a neurotransmitter critical to mood and cognition, by targeting NMDA receptors. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, clinical studies show significant improvement in depressive symptoms, often within hours or days of the first treatment. For many, this alternative to antidepressants is a life-changing solution.

What to Expect During Spravato Treatment

As a trusted Spravato treatment center, our process is designed for comfort and safety:

In-Office Only

Spravato is not a take-home treatment. It must be administered in a certified medical setting.

Comfortable Setting

You’ll relax in a private or semi-private recliner room at our McKinney clinic.

Guided Self-Administration

A provider will instruct you on using the nasal spray for depression.

Monitoring Period

You’ll be supervised for 2 hours for safety and support.

Transportation Required

Due to possible side effects, patients must arrange for a ride home.

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Spravato Treatment Side Effects

Like all medications, Spravato may cause side effects. The most common include:

Patients receiving Spravato for treatment-resistant depression or MDD with suicidal ideation are closely monitored in our clinic to manage these effects.

Spravato: Your Questions Answered

Have more questions about Spravato before your first visit? Here are clear answers to the questions patients ask us most.

Who Is Spravato For?

Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray is FDA-approved for adults with:

  • Treatment-resistant depression: major depression that hasn’t improved enough after trying at least two antidepressants. It can be used on its own or with an oral antidepressant.
  • Major depressive disorder with acute suicidal thoughts or behavior, used together with an oral antidepressant.

Spravato is not FDA-approved for anxiety disorders or OCD on their own. If you have anxiety or OCD along with depression, your provider will discuss whether it is appropriate for you.

How Is Spravato Given?

You give yourself the nasal spray in our office while a healthcare provider watches. A typical dose is 56 mg or 84 mg, using two or three devices a few minutes apart. Afterward you stay with us for at least 2 hours while we check your blood pressure and how you feel. Because Spravato can cause drowsiness and dissociation, you must not drive or operate machinery until the next day after a restful sleep, so plan for someone to take you home.

Spravato vs. Ketamine

Spravato (esketamine)IV ketamine
How it’s givenNasal spray, in a certified clinicIntravenous infusion
FDA approval for depressionYesNo (used off-label)
Safety programRequired REMS program with 2-hour monitoringVaries by clinic
InsuranceOften covered with prior authorizationUsually self-pay

Does Insurance Cover Spravato?

Many insurance plans cover Spravato for treatment-resistant depression, usually after prior authorization. Our team checks your benefits before you start. See our accepted insurances.

Learn More About Spravato

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spravato treatment?

Spravato is a prescription nasal spray for depression, FDA-approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression and MDD with suicidal thoughts. For treatment-resistant depression it can be used on its own or with an oral antidepressant; for depression with suicidal thoughts it is used with an oral antidepressant.

Some patients notice symptom relief after the first few treatments. Significant improvements are often observed within 2–4 weeks.

Common side effects include dizziness, dissociation, increased blood pressure, and nausea. Patients are monitored in-clinic for 2 hours post-treatment.

Most patients begin with twice-weekly sessions for 4 weeks, then transition to once-weekly or biweekly sessions as advised by their provider.

The number of treatments depends on your diagnosis and response to therapy. Your psychiatrist will tailor a plan that best supports your recovery.

Sit back, relax, and allow your mind and body to process the treatment. Our care team is nearby for support throughout your visit.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re struggling with treatment-resistant depression or suicidal symptoms, don’t wait. Spravato treatment offers a proven, fast-acting alternative to traditional antidepressants. Let Excel Psychiatry help you reclaim control of your life.

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