If you have been struggling with depression that just will not improve, no matter how many medications you have tried, you have probably heard about Spravato. It has gotten a lot of attention, and for good reason. But one of the biggest questions people ask us is, “How many weeks long is a Spravato® treatment?” Is it a few weeks? Months? Let us break it down in plain terms.
Spravato is a nasal spray treatment for adults with treatment-resistant depression, meaning that they have tried at least two antidepressants without noticing much improvement.
What makes Spravato different is that it works on a different brain chemical called glutamate and not the usual serotonin or norepinephrine. Because of that, some people feel a lift in their mood within hours or days.
You do not take it at home, though. Spravato treatments happen in a certified clinic. You will come in, administer the nasal spray yourself, then rest for about two hours while a trained provider keeps an eye on you. Think of it as time set aside just for your recovery.
The honest answer is that the length of a course of spravato depends. Everyone’s response is a little different, but most people start with what is called the induction period, which lasts about four weeks. That means you will come in twice a week for the first month, which comes out to roughly eight sessions total.
During those first few weeks, your provider will check in often to see how you are doing. Some people feel changes right away, while others notice things shift gradually over the month. Either way, this first stage helps your provider figure out what dose and schedule work best for you.
After that, you will move to once-a-week visits for a while, and later, you may drop down to once every two weeks. Some people stay on that schedule for several months. Others take a break once they are feeling stable. It really depends on how your mood and symptoms are doing.
Yes, Spravato requires a time commitment, but many patients have found that it is worth it. You must come to the clinic regularly, set aside time to recover after each session, and work closely with your provider, but many people who have struggled for years say it is the first time something has actually helped them feel lighter and more themselves again.
Spravato is not a magic fix, but it can be a powerful tool when other options have not worked. Most people use it alongside therapy and other treatments.
If you ever feel like Spravato is no longer right for you, that is okay. You and your provider will decide together if it is time to stop or lower the dosage. The main goal is to help you feel steady and supported, not to keep you on something you do not need.
If you are curious about whether Spravato could finally help you move past your depression, reach out to us. Many patients start by asking, “How many weeks long is a Spravato® treatment?” We will talk through what treatment might look like for you and whether it is the right next step.
