Spravato® Treatment at Sanford Behavioral Health
Living with depression can feel like carrying a weight that never lifts. For many, traditional antidepressants offer some relief, but others continue to struggle with depressive symptoms even after trying multiple medications. This condition, known as treatment-resistant depression, can be especially painful when combined with suicidal ideation or ongoing mental health challenges.
At Sanford Behavioral Health, patients can access one of the most innovative treatments available today: Spravato (esketamine). Administered in a safe, certified setting, Spravato works differently from traditional antidepressants and has shown rapid results for those who need immediate relief. Combined with therapy, oral medications, and compassionate support, it provides new hope for individuals and families facing depression.
Key points about Spravato® treatment for mental health conditions
Spravato represents a breakthrough in mental health treatment. It’s the first FDA-approved nasal spray designed for both treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Because of potential side effects, it’s given only under medical supervision in certified treatment centers like Sanford Behavioral Health.
Unlike many prescription drugs for depression that take weeks to show results, Spravato can reduce depression symptoms within hours or days. Patients are monitored closely during each session, and treatment is combined with oral antidepressants for maximum benefit. This careful approach provides safety and offers faster relief than most traditional medications.
What is Spravato®?
Spravato is an esketamine nasal spray that is chemically related to ketamine, a medicine with decades of use in anesthesia. While traditional antidepressants focus on serotonin, Spravato works differently by targeting NMDA receptors in the brain. This unique action helps reset mood regulation pathways, offering hope for those whose clinical depression has not improved with standard treatments.
Because of its safety profile, Spravato is available only through the Spravato risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) program and can only be administered at certified treatment centers. Sanford Behavioral Health is a center where patients receive care in a safe, supportive, and structured environment.
Approved uses: Treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder
Spravato is approved for two primary conditions:
- Treatment-resistant depression: For adults who have not found relief after trying at least two oral antidepressants.
- Major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation or behavior: For individuals experiencing severe depressed mood and immediate risk, Spravato may rapidly reduce dangerous thoughts.
In both cases, Spravato is not used alone—it’s always combined with oral antidepressants. This allows patients to receive ongoing stabilization while benefiting from the rapid effects of esketamine.
How does Spravato® work?: Mechanism of action
Depression involves disruptions in the brain’s chemical pathways. Spravato works by blocking NMDA receptors, which increases the release of glutamate. This process encourages neural plasticity, or the brain’s ability to form new connections. For patients, this means a faster return of motivation, emotional balance, and interest in daily life.
The effects are often felt quickly, sometimes within hours of a session. Improvements may include better sleep, increased appetite, reduced suicidal ideation, and renewed social engagement. These outcomes are significant for people who have not responded to other mental health treatments.
Treatment and administration
Spravato treatment is always carried out in a controlled medical environment. Sanford Behavioral Health’s process is designed to prioritize safety and comfort.
- Induction phase: Patients typically receive Spravato twice weekly for the first four weeks.
- Maintenance phase: After induction, treatment shifts to once per week or every other week, depending on progress.
- Observation: Patients are monitored for at least two hours after each session to ensure side effects are managed safely.
Because Spravato can cause sedation and dissociation, patients are advised not to drive for 24 hours after treatment. Staff provide guidance on arranging safe transportation home.
Dosing for Spravato®
Dosing is carefully tailored to each individual. Most adults under 65 begin with a 56 mg dose, while older adults may start at 28 mg to reduce side effects. Depending on how well the treatment is tolerated, the dose can be increased to 84 mg.
At Sanford Behavioral Health, every patient is monitored by trained professionals who adjust dosing as needed. This approach optimizes both safety and outcomes in managing major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression.
Clinical effectiveness of esketamine treatment
Spravato has been studied in numerous clinical trials and has demonstrated strong results.
- Roughly 70% of patients report significant improvement in depressive symptoms.
- Reductions in suicidal ideation can occur within 24 hours of treatment.
These outcomes make Spravato one of the most promising new tools in modern psychiatry for those struggling with persistent mental health conditions.
Side effects and safety
Like all medications, Spravato carries potential side effects. The most common include:
- Dissociation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sedation
Blood pressure and mental status are closely monitored during each session to maintain patient safety. Spravato is not recommended for people with certain vascular conditions, and it’s not used during pregnancy. Because treatment occurs only in certified centers under supervision, the risk of misuse is minimal compared to other prescription drugs.
Cost and insurance
One challenge with Spravato is its cost, as each session can be expensive. Insurance coverage varies, but many providers include Spravato as one of their mental health care benefits. Patient assistance programs may also be available to reduce expenses. Sanford Behavioral Health helps patients explore financial options so that cost does not become a barrier to treatment. For help with insurance coverage explanations, please get in touch with us by calling 616.202.3326 or using our online contact form.
Eligibility for Spravato®
Not everyone is a candidate for Spravato. To qualify, patients must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have treatment-resistant depression with failure of at least two prior antidepressants
- Take oral antidepressants alongside Spravato
- Be able to attend sessions at a certified treatment center
This process ensures Spravato is used safely and only for patients most likely to benefit.
Comparison to other mental health treatments
Spravato offers several unique advantages compared to other treatments. Traditional antidepressants may take weeks to begin working, while Spravato can relieve symptoms within hours or days. It is also less invasive than electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which requires anesthesia and carries more significant side effects.
However, Spravato must be administered under medical supervision and cannot be taken at home. This provides a high level of safety but also means patients need to commit to attending treatment sessions on a regular basis.
Long-term considerations of Spravato®
For most patients, Spravato is not a one-time solution. Ongoing maintenance treatments are usually necessary to sustain progress. Regular monitoring helps providers track effectiveness, manage side effects, and adjust care as needed.
Long-term treatment also includes therapy and lifestyle support, which help patients learn to manage depression beyond medication alone. This comprehensive approach gives individuals the best chance at lasting wellness.
Frequently asked questions about Spravato® treatment
How long do the effects last?
Benefits can last for several days to a week, while dissociative effects usually fade within two hours.
Can I drive after treatment?
No, driving is prohibited for 24 hours due to sedation.
What if I miss a treatment?
Missing sessions can reduce effectiveness, so consistency is important.
Is Spravato® addictive?
No, not under supervised use. Strict monitoring prevents misuse.
How does Spravato® differ from IV ketamine?
IV ketamine is given through infusion, while Spravato is a nasal spray regulated by the FDA and the REMS program.
Healing can start today at Sanford Behavioral Health
Depression does not have to define your future. With innovations like Spravato, patients who have struggled with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or persistent depressive symptoms finally have another option.
At Sanford Behavioral Health, Spravato treatment is part of a compassionate, patient-centered approach that combines medical supervision, therapy, and long-term support. If you or a loved one is living with treatment-resistant depression or struggling to manage depression, we are here to help. Call 616.202.3326 or reach out through our online contact form today.
