Spravato Treatment

An estimated one-third of patients with major depressive disorder won’t improve after taking antidepressants, but they still have hope with SPRAVATO®. The experienced psychiatrists at NYC Psychiatric Associates in Manhattan prescribe SPRAVATO for people with treatment-resistant depression and those thinking about or planning suicide. Call the office today at 805-386-7625 or schedule an appointment online.

What is SPRAVATO treatment?

SPRAVATO is a nasal spray containing esketamine, a medication that improves the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD)with suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Esketamine works faster than conventional antidepressants. While antidepressants can take weeks to have an impact, SPRAVATO typically improves depression and suicidal thoughts within 24 hours.

What should I know about the conditions SPRAVATO treats?

You may need SPRAVATO if you’re diagnosed with one of the following:

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)

Your provider may diagnose TRD after you take at least two different antidepressants for an appropriate amount of time. The time varies because you need to take each medication long enough to be sure you have the correct dose and see if your symptoms improve.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts

Having suicidal thoughts (suicidal ideation) means contemplating ending your life. If you’re thinking of harming yourself, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital emergency room or call 988 for the suicide and crisis hotline.

How can I get SPRAVATO?

The first step is scheduling an appointment at NYC Psychiatric Associates. Your provider learns about your medical history, completes a psychiatric evaluation, and then recommends a treatment plan.

If your provider diagnoses MDD and you’re thinking about suicide, they may prescribe SPRAVATO right away. 

Otherwise, their recommendation depends on your symptom severity and treatment history. They may determine you need antidepressant therapy before prescribing SPRAVATO.

What should I expect during SPRAVATO treatment?

Unlike other psychiatric medications, you can’t use SPRAVATO at home; you take it in the office. This extra level of care is essential because SPRAVATO may cause sleepiness, dizziness, anxiety, or dissociation (a feeling of being disconnected from your thoughts and feelings).

Most people take SPRAVATO twice weekly at the beginning of their treatment. Your provider gradually tapers the dose down, but your dose frequency and treatment length depend on your symptoms. You also keep taking oral antidepressants while you’re on SPRAVATO.

The NYC Psychiatric Associates team asks you to rest and avoid activities like driving for the rest of the day. You can return to all your usual activities the day after your SPRAVATO treatment. 

Don’t wait to seek help for depression or suicidal thoughts. Call NYC Psychiatric Associates today or use online booking to request an appointment.