If you are living with
major depressive disorder and have not found relief through standard antidepressants, you may be wondering what other options are available. SPRAVATO® is an
FDA-approved esketamine nasal spray that is administered in a certified clinical setting and has shown meaningful results for people with
treatment-resistant depression. At Prestige Clinic, our providers work closely with each patient to build a personalized care plan from the very first appointment.
One of the most common questions we receive from prospective patients is: what is the typical treatment schedule for SPRAVATO®? Understanding the structure of treatment can help you plan ahead and set realistic expectations for your care. The schedule is divided into two distinct phases, each with a different frequency of sessions.
The Induction Phase: Building Toward Relief
The first phase of SPRAVATO® therapy is called the induction phase, and it typically lasts four weeks. During this period, patients receive two sessions per week, for a total of eight sessions. Each session takes place in our office, where you self-administer the nasal spray under the direct supervision of one of our providers. After administration, you remain in the office for a two-hour monitoring period to ensure your safety and comfort.
This phase is designed to help your brain respond to the medication and to allow our providers to assess how well you are tolerating treatment. It is normal for some patients to notice changes in mood or perception during or shortly after a session. These effects are temporary and resolve during the monitoring window before you are cleared to leave.
What Happens After the Induction Phase?
Once the induction phase is complete, patients transition to the maintenance phase. During weeks five through eight, sessions are reduced to once per week. After that, treatment typically continues at a frequency of once every one to two weeks, depending on how you respond and what your provider recommends.
The goal of the maintenance phase is to sustain the benefits achieved during induction and support your long-term mental health. Patients receiving esketamine treatment at Prestige Clinic continue to be monitored throughout this phase, and your provider will adjust the schedule as needed based on your progress.
Planning Around Your SPRAVATO® Sessions
Because each session requires a two-hour observation period, you will want to plan accordingly. You will need a driver or escort to take you home after every appointment, as driving or operating heavy machinery on the day of treatment is not permitted. Our team will review all of these requirements with you before your first session so you feel prepared.
Nasal spray esketamine treatment is not covered by all insurance plans, and prior authorization is typically required. Our providers can help guide you through the process of confirming your coverage and understanding your out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
Call Us to Learn More About the Typical Treatment Schedule of SPRAVATO®
Starting any new psychiatric treatment can feel overwhelming, but our team is here to make the process as smooth as possible. If you are ready to take the next step and learn more about what is the typical treatment schedule for SPRAVATO®, we encourage you to reach out to Prestige Clinic. We are proud to offer this FDA-approved therapy to patients seeking meaningful relief from major depressive disorder.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and speak with one of our providers about whether SPRAVATO® is the right fit for your care.
