Depression affects millions of people, but not everyone responds to traditional antidepressant medications. Some individuals continue to experience symptoms even after trying multiple medications at appropriate doses and for an adequate amount of time. This condition, known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD), often requires a different approach to care.
For qualifying patients, CNS Brain Center offers Spravato treatment in Chicago as an FDA-approved option for treatment-resistant depression that works differently from traditional antidepressants. Spravato® (esketamine) is administered in a certified medical office under close supervision and may help adults with treatment-resistant depression who have not responded to standard therapies. CNS Brain Center provides Spravato treatment as part of its integrated neurology and psychiatry program, allowing patients to receive coordinated mental health treatment in one location.
We’ll explain how Spravato works for depression, who is eligible for Spravato treatment, what happens during treatment, and what to expect during Spravato treatment.
What Is Spravato®?
Many people ask: “What is Spravato for depression?”
Spravato® is a prescription nasal spray for depression containing esketamine, a form of ketamine that has been approved by the FDA for specific types of depression. It is prescribed for adults with treatment-resistant depression and may also be used for major depressive disorder with acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors when combined with an oral antidepressant.
Unlike traditional depression medication, which primarily affects serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, Spravato targets the brain’s glutamate system.
Many patients also ask, “How does Spravato work?”
Glutamate is one of the brain’s primary neurotransmitters involved in communication between nerve cells. By acting on this system, esketamine therapy works differently than conventional antidepressants and may produce improvement sooner for some patients.
Because of its safety requirements, Spravato is administered only in a REMS-certified medical office under trained clinical supervision. Patients cannot take the medication at home. This supervised setting allows healthcare providers to monitor patients throughout each appointment.
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Spravato vs. Traditional Antidepressants
One of the biggest differences in Spravato vs. traditional antidepressants is how they work in the brain. Most traditional antidepressants affect neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine and often require several weeks before patients notice improvement. Spravato contains esketamine and acts on the brain’s glutamate system, offering a different approach for adults with treatment-resistant depression who have not responded to conventional depression medication. While both are prescribed as part of a physician-directed treatment plan, Spravato is administered only in a REMS-certified medical office under medical supervision.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Spravato?
One of the most common questions is, “Who is eligible for Spravato treatment?”
Candidates often include:
- Adults diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression
- Patients who have not improved after trying at least two antidepressants
- Individuals interested in supervised ketamine therapy delivered in a certified medical setting
- Patients who are able to attend scheduled in-office treatment sessions
At CNS Brain Center, candidacy is not determined through self-referral alone. Every patient undergoes a detailed psychiatric and neurological evaluation that reviews medical history, previous treatments, current medications, and factors that may affect safety.
This evaluation helps determine whether Spravato nasal spray for major depressive disorder is an appropriate treatment.
How Spravato Treatment Works at CNS Brain Center
Initial consultation and evaluation
Treatment begins with a detailed consultation. The CNS Brain Center team reviews previous depression treatments, confirms eligibility, discusses current medications, and develops an individualized treatment plan.
Insurance verification and prior authorization assistance
Because Spravato often requires insurance approval, CNS Brain Center assists with insurance verification and prior authorization. Their staff works with insurance providers to help qualifying patients begin treatment as smoothly as possible.
In-office administration by trained clinicians
Spravato is self-administered as a nasal spray while trained clinicians supervise the appointment. Treatment takes place in a comfortable medical setting designed specifically for monitored care.
Required observation period after each treatment
After receiving the medication, patients remain at the clinic for observation. During this time, clinicians monitor vital signs, blood pressure, and overall well-being before discharge.
Transportation requirements after appointments
Patients must arrange transportation home after every appointment. Because Spravato can temporarily affect alertness, coordination, and judgment, patients should not drive until the next day after a full night’s sleep.
Typical treatment schedule during induction and maintenance phases
Many patients begin treatment with:
- Two treatments per week during the first four weeks
- One treatment per week during the following four weeks
- Maintenance treatments based on the treating provider’s recommendations
The exact schedule varies depending on each patient’s response to treatment.
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What Patients Can Expect During and After Treatment
Many patients wonder what to expect during Spravato treatment before scheduling their first appointment.
Each appointment takes place in a calm, supervised medical setting where clinicians monitor patients throughout treatment. Patients relax in a private treatment room while clinicians monitor them throughout the visit.
Some patients experience temporary side effects, including:
- Dissociation
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Temporary blood pressure changes
These side effects generally occur shortly after administration and usually lessen during the required observation period. Understanding Spravato side effects and safety is an important part of treatment planning, which is why monitoring is required before patients leave the office.
Another common question is how long does Spravato take to work.
Some patients report improvement within the first several treatment sessions, while others notice changes more gradually. Individual responses vary, and follow-up visits allow providers to evaluate progress and determine whether adjustments are needed.
How Spravato Fits into a Comprehensive Depression Treatment Plan
Spravato is one part of an ongoing treatment strategy rather than a standalone therapy.
Patients often continue psychiatric follow-up appointments and medication management when appropriate. Depending on clinical recommendations, Spravato may also be combined with psychotherapy or BrainsWay® Deep TMS. Having these services available within CNS Brain Center allows providers to coordinate care for patients with complex depression.
This integrated model reflects CNS Brain Center’s neurology-led, psychiatrist-directed approach to brain health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does Spravato work?
Some patients notice improvement within the first few treatment sessions, while others require additional time. Response varies from person to person, making regular follow-up appointments an important part of care.
Is Spravato covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover Spravato for qualifying patients. CNS Brain Center assists with insurance verification and prior authorization before treatment begins.
Can I stop taking my antidepressants?
Patients should never stop taking any depression medication without guidance from their treating provider. Medication decisions should always be made under medical supervision.
How long will I need treatment?
Treatment duration differs for every patient. Some individuals continue maintenance therapy after the initial treatment phase, while others follow a different schedule based on their progress.
Is Spravato FDA Approved for Depression?
Yes. Spravato (esketamine) is FDA-approved for depression in qualifying adults with treatment-resistant depression. It is also approved for certain adults with major depressive disorder who have acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors when used alongside an oral antidepressant. Because of the possibility of temporary side effects, Spravato is available only through the FDA’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program and must be administered in a certified medical office under trained clinical supervision.
Is Spravato the Same as Ketamine?
Many individuals ask: Is Spravato the same as ketamine?
Spravato contains esketamine, which is derived from ketamine but is not identical. It is an FDA-approved prescription medication administered under the REMS program for qualifying patients. While both relate to ketamine therapy, Spravato follows standardized dosing and supervised administration requirements for approved depression indications.