Spravato

The insurance-backed nasal spray is a promising treatment for individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation.

Also called:

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Pros & Cons

Your individual experience may vary based on your medical history, genetics, environment, habits, and other factors.

Pros

Highly effective for treating TRD and MDSI
Only needs to be administered
1 or 2 times per week
Backed by insurance
Johnson & Johnson REMS certification supports a safe procedure
Does not cause weight gain like other antidepressants

Cons

Needs to be done at a treatment facility
Requires 4-6 doses
No generic option
Need to meet the requirements of trying 2 antidepressants

Highly effective for treating TRD and MDSI

Only needs to be administered
1 or 2 times per week

Backed by most insurance

Johnson & Johnson REMS certification supports a safe procedure

Does not cause weight gain like other antidepressants

Needs to be done at a treatment facility

Unable to drive after treatment

Requires 4-6 doses

No generic option

Need to meet the requirements of
trying 2 antidepressants

Immediate relief is realistic

Reduction of depressive symptoms within 24 hours

In a study conducted by Aspire, esketamine was found to decrease the MADRS total score by 4 points on the 18-point scale within a 24-hour period after initial treatment.

Immediate relief
is realistic

Reduction of depressive symptoms within 24 hours

In a study conducted by Aspire, esketamine was found to decrease the MADRS total score by an average of 4 points on the 18-point scale within a 24-hour period of the first treatment.

Common questions

How does Spravato work?

Spravato is the first insurance-backed psychedelic-esque treatment that works by inhibiting the NMDA (N-methyl-D-asparate glutamate) receptor, which is thought to play a role in depression. Spravato patients are required to complete the REMS certification, submit an application for the Janssen care card, and visit a local clinic on a one to two-time-a-week basis.

Is Spravato FDA approved?

Spravato is the first FDA-approved intranasal spray version of esketamine, a drug that has been used as an anesthetic since the 1970s. This intranasal spray treatment for depression is not only rapid-acting, but it’s also the first truly new mechanism for depression to be approved by the FDA in over 60 years.

How long does the treatment last?

Treatment typically lasts 4-8+ weeks depending on whether you have TRD or MDSI and the severity of your symptoms.

Can I try Spravato if I'm not depressed?

Spravato is only available for those who are diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression or Major Depressive Disorder.

Who is eligible for Spravato?

To be considered eligible for insurance coverage for Spravato, a person has to have tried at least two other antidepressants without benefit.

Does insurance cover Spravato?

Spravato is almost always covered by insurance (including Medicare but not Medicaid), because it is FDA approved and well-studied to be effective and safe.

How do I obtain treatment?

The Psycle care team helps individuals get placed in the right care and works with your insurance to ensure obtaining treatment is as easy & affordable as possible.