5 Questions to Ask Before Starting Spravato®

If traditional antidepressants haven’t worked for you or if you’re battling symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts, Spravato® (esketamine) may be an effective treatment option.

At Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy in Aurora and Chicago, Illinois, and Las Vegas, Nevada, Babatunde Ogundipe, MD, and our team specialize in caring for people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and part of that care is ensuring you understand your therapy and know what to expect.

Here are five questions to ask us before beginning Spravato therapy.

1. Am I a candidate for Spravato?

FDA-approved Spravato is specifically designed for adults dealing with two specific conditions:

Treatment-resistant depression 

We diagnose TRD only if your condition hasn’t responded to at least two prior antidepressant treatments.

Major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation

Spravato is also an option for those coping with persistent suicidal thoughts associated with MDD.

Your Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy provider evaluates your medical history, symptoms, and prior treatments through a psychiatric evaluation. If you haven’t explored other antidepressant treatments yet, we recommend starting with traditional medications before considering Spravato.

2. What should I expect during treatment?

Spravato treatment is unique because it requires administration under medical supervision in a certified healthcare setting. You’ll self-administer the nasal spray during each session, followed by two hours of monitoring at our clinic to ensure your safety. During this period:

• Side effects may occur, such as dizziness, nausea, dissociation, or an elated mood
• You’ll relax under the supervision of our care team to monitor your response

Plan for some downtime after your appointment. Post-treatment, you should avoid activities like driving or operating machinery for the rest of the day, but you can typically return to your routine the following day.

3. How does Spravato differ from traditional antidepressants?

Unlike most antidepressants, which target serotonin and require weeks to produce noticeable effects, Spravato acts within days by influencing a different neurotransmitter, glutamate. This fast-acting method provides much quicker relief for many people, particularly those with debilitating symptoms or crises.

Spravato can be a game-changer, but it’s not a stand-alone treatment. You’ll continue to take traditional oral antidepressants alongside Spravato to maximize its benefits.

4. What potential side effects should I be aware of?

Like any medication, Spravato has potential side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Some common effects include:

• Dizziness 
• Nausea or vertigo 
• Temporary sedation or sleepiness 
• Disassociation (feeling disconnected from your thoughts or feelings) 

About 10-40% of patients may experience side effects during treatment. These effects typically subside after a few hours, and our team ensures your comfort and safety the whole time.

5. Is Spravato covered by my insurance?

Spravato treatments vary in cost; fortunately, many insurance providers cover part or all of the expenses. However, coverage specifics depend on your insurance plan and whether you meet the criteria your provider requires.

We help you verify your insurance benefits and discuss potential out-of-pocket costs with you before initiating treatment. We encourage you to understand your coverage to ensure you can manage the treatment financially.

Spravato has helped many of our patients regain control of their lives, but it’s essential to educate yourself about the treatment and how it may affect you. 

For more information about Spravato or to see if you qualify, call Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy or schedule an appointment online today.