Spravato is a prescription nasal spray that contains esketamine, and doctors prescribe it for certain forms of depression that have not responded to other treatments. It works differently than standard oral antidepressants, and providers administer it in a supervised medical setting. Knowing whether you qualify starts with understanding the specific criteria below. This is who may be a good candidate for this treatment:
People With Treatment-resistant Depression
Treatment-resistant depression describes depression that has not improved after other medications. Providers typically define this as trying two or more antidepressants without relief. If that pattern matches your experience, you might qualify for Spravato.
Your provider will ask about the medications you have tried already. Typical questions cover several areas, and clear answers speed up the assessment:
- The names of past antidepressants
- The duration that you took each one
- The dosage you reached
- The side effects you noticed
This history gives your care team the context they need. When standard options fall short, providers turn to alternatives like Spravato. A detailed record supports an accurate eligibility decision.
Adults 18 and Older
Spravato has approval for adults aged 18 and older. Children and teenagers do not qualify under current guidelines, so age is the first factor a provider reviews. If you meet the age requirement, your provider then examines your medical history in detail. Certain heart, blood pressure, or neurological issues affect eligibility, and honesty about your health matters; a full screening helps your care team decide the next step.
Those With Suicidal Ideation
Some adults with major depressive disorder also experience suicidal thoughts. Spravato has approval for these patients when used alongside an oral antidepressant. If you have these thoughts, tell your medical provider right away.
For safety, providers treat suicidal ideation with careful attention and structured monitoring. Treatment happens in a certified setting, and staff observes you after each dose. This supervision addresses safety during the early stages of care.
Your provider will assess the severity of your symptoms before starting any treatment. They combine this evaluation with your broader medical picture, and they document each finding. For some patients, that process helps to shape the treatment plan they recommend.
People Who Don’t Like Antidepressants
Some adults dislike the side effects of traditional antidepressants. Others feel frustrated when pills take weeks to show any effect. If either situation describes you, Spravato may present a different option worth discussing.
Reasons people seek alternatives vary widely, and providers hear several major ones:
- Slow response times with oral medications
- Unwanted side effects
- Limited relief from past prescriptions
Spravato follows a different treatment schedule and delivery method. You take it under supervision, so the experience differs from daily pills. Discuss your concerns openly, and your provider will explain what to expect. During that visit, your provider reviews your history and answers your questions, and they will explain the process, the schedule, and the monitoring involved.
Schedule a Spravato Consultation
Spravato suits specific adults who meet defined medical criteria, and it may also apply to those with major depressive disorder and suicidal thoughts. Contact a psychiatry clinic today to book your Spravato consultation, and a medical team will guide you through each step of the evaluation. When other methods fail, Spravato may be effective.
