If you are considering Spravato for depression, it is natural to have questions about the safety of Spravato. You want to know what to expect, how a medical professional will monitor your treatment, and whether the drug is right for you. Understanding these details can help you make informed choices as you explore your options.
At Upswing Psychiatry, your safety while taking Spravato is always our top priority. As one of the busiest single-center psychiatric practices in the country, our team combines extensive experience with empathy, individualized care, and fast, reliable support.
Spravato (esketamine) is an FDA-cleared prescription nasal spray that we use for two specific conditions, including treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and depressive symptoms in adults who are experiencing suicidal ideation. The FDA has not approved Spravato for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Patients typically use Spravato alongside an oral antidepressant, and it is for people who have not responded well to traditional medications. It works differently from standard antidepressants by targeting glutamate pathways in the brain, which help to regulate mood.
Spravato can safely lead to meaningful improvement for many people with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. According to published trial data, patients receiving Spravato with an oral antidepressant experienced significantly greater reductions in depression symptoms compared with those receiving an oral antidepressant alone.
Some patients showed improvement within the first four weeks of treatment. These results are encouraging, especially for individuals who have struggled with long-term or severe depression.
Healthcare providers can only administer Spravato in a certified medical setting so that they can closely monitor your health and safety. You cannot take the nasal spray at home. Each of your sessions will follow a structured process:
You might experience temporary side effects that are common with Spravato, including dizziness, nausea, fatigue, dissociation, or changes in blood pressure. These are usually temporary. Because we monitor you closely, we can identify risks early and address them promptly.
The introduction phase of Spravato includes 14 total treatment sessions over three months. The standard schedule begins with treatment twice weekly for four weeks. Afterward, you will receive treatment once a week for four weeks, then once every other week for one month.
In the final month, deferring treatment for a week helps us understand how your body responds with less frequent dosing. Your response helps guide future care. Throughout this phase, we regularly review your progress, side effects, and overall health to ensure your safety while taking Spravato.
After the first 14 sessions, your continuation and maintenance therapy begins. This stage looks different for everyone. You may benefit from ongoing treatment once a week or may need fewer sessions. We work with you to determine what level of care best supports your long-term stability.
Your well-being remains a priority during this phase, with continued monitoring and regular check-ins as you take Spravato.
Spravato is not a standard solution for all patients. Your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and goals all matter. At Upswing Psychiatry, we build your treatment plan around your needs and symptoms.
We take the time to explain each step, answer your questions about Spravato's safety profile, and address concerns quickly. We support you before, during, and after every session.
Spravato may be an option if you have not responded to traditional antidepressants or are experiencing severe depressive symptoms with suicidal thoughts. We require you to undergo a thorough evaluation to determine whether it is appropriate and safe for you.
If you are considering this treatment, you deserve clear information about the safety of Spravato. With proper monitoring and individualized care, many people find Spravato to be both reliable and helpful in their recovery journey. Contact us at Upswing Psychiatry to learn more.