If your symptoms of depression have not improved after trying standard antidepressants, you may wonder, "Can you get a prescription for Spravato?" While you might be able to, Spravato is not prescribed like a typical medication you pick up at the pharmacy.
Spravato is a prescription nasal spray given in a certified medical setting under supervision. At Upswing Psychiatry, we evaluate your symptoms, treatment history, and safety needs to decide whether Spravato may be appropriate. To learn whether you qualify, schedule your consultation today.
You may be eligible for a Spravato prescription if you have major depressive disorder and have not had sufficient improvement after trying at least two antidepressants. This is often called treatment-resistant depression. Before recommending treatment, we may also review your:
Spravato works differently from many traditional antidepressants. Instead of addressing serotonin or norepinephrine levels, it acts on the brain’s glutamate system. For some people, this different pathway may help when other depression treatments have not provided symptom relief.
Spravato is FDA-approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression and in combination with an oral antidepressant for adults with major depressive disorder who have acute suicidal ideation or behavior. It is not approved for anxiety.
Although Spravato is a nasal spray, it is not sent home with you. Because it can cause sedation, dissociation, and other side effects, you can only get it on prescription through the Spravato REMS program. This means your treatment must occur in a certified health care setting in which you will be closely monitored after each dose. You will also need someone to drive you home after treatment sessions.
If you are a suitable patient and can get prescribed Spravato, there are two phases of treatment. The introduction phase involves 14 rounds of treatment that allow us to see how you respond to treatment and what kind of ongoing support you may need. The schedule involves treatment twice a week for four weeks, once a week for four weeks, and once every other week for one month.
The last month of the schedule is important. Skipping a week helps us see what maintenance therapy you may require. Some people need more ongoing support, while others may do well with less frequent visits.
You can move on to continuation or maintenance therapy after the first 14 rounds of getting prescribed treatment with Spravato. This part of care looks different for everyone. You may continue needing treatment once weekly or less frequently based on:
At Upswing Psychiatry, we individualize care rather than use a one-size-fits-all model. Our team has a reputation for empathy, passion, quick turnaround, and strong support throughout the process. As one of the busiest single-center Spravato practices in the country, we have experience helping people understand what to expect and move through treatment with more confidence.
So, can you get a prescription for Spravato? The first step is scheduling an appointment with Upswing Psychiatry so our providers can discuss your depression symptoms, past treatments, current medications, and goals. If you are eligible for treatment, our team will discuss the next steps, insurance questions, scheduling, and what your first treatment day may feel like.
If you have felt unable to make progress after trying other depression treatments, Spravato may offer another path forward. Contact us today for an appointment so we can answer your questions and assess whether you are suitable for treatment with Spravato.