SPRAVATO® is a prescription medicine, used along with an antidepressant taken by mouth to treat:
- Adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
- Depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions
What is the SPRAVATO® treatment process?
SPRAVATO® can only be administered by a certified SPRAVATO® treatment center. You will administer the nasal spray yourself under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
There will be an observation period of at least two hours during which you will be allowed to rest comfortably while a healthcare provider monitors you for possible side effects. Your blood pressure will be assessed both prior to administration as well as at periodic intervals after you administer the nasal spray.
Because of the possible side effects affecting mental alertness and motor coordination, you won’t be able to drive, operate machinery, or do anything where where you need to be completely alert until the next day, following a restful sleep. You will need to coordinate transportation on your treatment days.
You should plan to attend treatment sessions two times per week in weeks 1-4, followed by once per week in weeks 5-8, followed by periodic sessions based on your response and your physician’s recommendation.
Are there side effects with SPRAVATO®?
The most common side effects that can occur during and after taking SPRAVATO® include:
- Feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feelings, and things around you (dissociation)
- Dizziness, nausea, vomiting
- Feeling sleepy (sedation)
- Decreased feeling of sensitivity (numbness)
- Feeling anxious
- Lack of energy
- Increased blood pressure
- Feeling drunk
- Feeling very happy or excited
These common side effects usually happen right away after taking SPRAVATO® and go away the same day.
Because of the possibility of nausea and vomiting, you should avoid eating two hours before, and drinking liquids 30 minutes before taking SPRAVATO®.
How soon will I see improvement of my symptoms with SPRAVATO®?
While SPRAVATO® does not work for everyone, improvement of depressive symptoms are generally demonstrated at four weeks when administered in addition to your oral antidepressant.
Is SPRAVATO® covered by my insurance?
SPRAVATO® is reimbursed by most insurance carriers when appropriate criteria are met. Prior authorization is required to be obtained before treatments are started, which can be handled by your doctor and staff. Your potential out-of-pocket costs can be provided to you prior to the decision to schedule. There may also be options available to assist with these out-of-pocket costs.
Where can I get more information on SPRAVATO®?
You may get more in-depth information about SPRAVATO® at www.spravato.com. Your physician will also discuss whether this is a good treatment option for you and will help answer any questions you might have.