Spravato® (esketamine) is an FDA-approved medication used to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Many patients have questions about how it works, what to expect during treatment, and whether it is the right option for their needs.
Here, you will find a comprehensive list of Spravato FAQs—including clear answers to the most frequently asked questions about Spravato, including its benefits, safety, and how it is administered. At Cedar Park TMS, we believe that informed patients make confident decisions about their care. If you are considering Spravato treatment, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our experienced team to determine if this therapy is right for you.
Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, a prescription nasal spray approved by the FDA to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which usually take weeks to affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, Spravato works quickly by targeting glutamate, a different chemical in your brain associated with mood regulation. It is used in combination with an oral antidepressant and is administered under the supervision of a medical professional. At our clinic, Dr. Brian Earthman will be monitoring your Spravato administration.
You may be eligible for Spravato if you have not experienced sufficient relief from at least two different antidepressant medications taken at adequate doses and durations. Patients with major depressive disorder who have active suicidal thoughts may also qualify. Dr. Brian Earthman and his team at Cedar Park TMS will complete a comprehensive evaluation to determine if Spravato is the right fit for your specific symptoms and medical history.
Spravato works on a part of the brain called the glutamatergic system that helps control your mood, thoughts, and emotions. When you have depression, the connections in your brain may not work the way they should. Spravato helps to repair and strengthen those connections, which can lead to feeling better and thinking more clearly. Since it impacts your brain’s glutamatergic system, Spravato works in a different way compared to traditional medications, which is why patients who have not achieved success with other medications may experience faster and more sustained relief with Spravato.
Each Spravato treatment session takes place at Cedar Park TMS in a private, supervised setting. After a brief check-in, you will self-administer the nasal spray under the guidance of trained staff. You will then be monitored for at least two hours to ensure your safety and comfort. During this time, you may rest, listen to music, or simply relax. During your session, your vital signs will be closely monitored by our practitioners to ensure that you are safe throughout.
In the first four weeks, most patients receive Spravato twice a week. During weeks five to eight, sessions are typically reduced to once a week. After eight weeks, the frequency may decrease further, based on how well you are responding. While this is the recommended dosage, your specific treatment plan will be customized to meet your needs by Dr. Earthman.
Spravato has been studied in both short-term and long-term clinical trials. For patients who respond well, long-term treatment can be safe and effective under proper medical supervision. Ongoing evaluations are important to assess continued benefit, monitor side effects, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Your care team at Cedar Park TMS will guide this process with regular follow-ups.
Many insurance providers do cover Spravato treatment for patients who meet specific medical criteria. Coverage may vary depending on your plan, so our staff will work with your insurance provider to verify benefits and help you understand any out-of-pocket costs. We also assist with pre-authorization and paperwork to make the process easier for you.
No. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home after treatment due to the temporary effects Spravato may have on alertness and coordination. You must arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home after each session. This is a mandatory safety requirement and is in place to protect your well-being.
Many patients begin to feel relief within the first few treatments, sometimes as early as the first or second week. However, individual responses vary. While some people experience rapid improvement, others may take several sessions to notice significant changes. Dr. Earthman will monitor your progress closely and adjust the treatment plan based on your response.
You no longer have to live under the weight of treatment-resistant depression. Spravato offers a new path forward—especially if traditional medications have not worked. At Cedar Park TMS, Dr. Brian Earthman brings psychiatric expertise and a commitment to personalized care.
Now is the time to take the next step. Explore our Spravato FAQs and schedule your consultation to see if this innovative treatment is right for you.
