Reduce suicidality
How Spravato Works
Associations and Accreditations
Overview
How Does Spravato (Esketamine) Work?
Spravato is a nasal spray that is becoming more commonly used as a mental health treatment for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, and also in some individuals who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. This form of depression is characterized by depressive symptoms that persist despite initial attempts to alleviate mental health difficulties. Spravato functions in a way that is unique to other forms of therapy. With its FDA approval, we provide this therapy with confidence that clients can achieve improved daily functioning and elevate their quality of life.
How Spravato Works
Spravato operates uniquely by the mechanism of action of the active ingredient, esketamine.
What is esketamine?
Esketamine is a derivative of the molecule ketamine. Medicinally, ketamine is implemented as an anesthetic, though with a growing body of research, it has been popularized as a mental health treatment (see our ketamine therapy options).
Due to its chemical traits, unlike ketamine, esketamine can be efficiently absorbed by certain membranes like the nasal mucosa. This makes for a more simple and less invasive treatment procedure than ketamine therapy.
What does esketamine do in the brain?
Esketamine uniquely acts on the glutamate system by regulating the amount of glutamate in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood. It is believed that this mechanism increases neuroplasticity. By facilitating the restoration of healthy neural pathways, esketamine can provide symptom relief.
When Do the Therapeutic Effects Occur?
The therapeutic benefits of Spravato can take effect within hours of administration and become more extensive with ongoing treatment sessions. Immediate effects are a marked advantage of Spravato. Clients with severe symptoms can find rapid relief within hours, including: 
Enhance mood
Sustained effects can be seen after days and weeks of treatment of reducing depressive symptoms. This can accumulate and lead to overarching benefits, including:
Motivation to participate in activities
Enhanced daily functioning
Improved quality of life
Is Spravato Safe?
Spravato has been approved by the FDA exclusively for treatment-resistant depression for 2 methods of therapy:
Standalone treatment
Combined treatment with an oral antidepressant
Under supervised administration as per regulated health guidelines, Spravato treatment is a safe and effective therapy. This is ensured as physicians monitor the correct dosage for each client’s condition to optimise outcomes and minimize side effects. For the 2 hours following treatment, clients’ physical state is monitored to ensure there are no adverse reactions and that they are in a state of good well-being before they leave their treatment session. However, it should be acknowledged that there can be adverse effects associated with the medication, as is the case with any medication.
Are There Side Effects?
Spravato is generally well-tolerated, although it can lead to short-lived side effects and, on much rarer occasions, long-term effects.
Short-term side effects typically occur and dissipate on the day of treatment and include:
- Dissociation
- Distortion of perception
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Lack of energy
- Drowsiness
- Increased blood pressure
- Feeling anxious
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Slowed breathing
Long-term side effects are uncommon, however, potential concerns include:
- Drug misuse/abuse (mitigated by physician-supervised administration)
- Esketamine-induced cystitis
Learning Center
Featured Resources
What to Expect
Ketamine therapy, TMS, Spravato, psychotherapy, or medication, here’s what you can expect before, during, and after each type of care.
Compare Treatments
Unsure which treatment is right for you? Explore a side-by-side comparison to better understand your options and find the best fit.
How TMS Works
FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment for depression, offering a safe, drug-free alternative for those who haven’t responded to medication or therapy.
