What is Spravato?

Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, which is a prescription nasal spray used to treat certain types of depression. Its closely related to ketamine (an anesthetic that's been studied for mental health uses) but is a slightly different form of the molecule.

What does it do?

Spravato acts on NDMA receptors in the brain-a completely different mechanism than most traditional antidepressants. It helps to quickly rebalance brain chemicals involved in mood regulation.

What is it used for?

Spravato is FDA-approved for:

- treatment-resistant depression- for adults who haven't responded well to at least two other antidepressant treatments.

-Major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or actions- to help rapidly reduce symptoms alongside other oral antidepressants.

How is it taken?

-Nasal spray administered in a certified healthcare facility

- Patients are monitored for at least 2 hours after each dose because it can cause side effects like sedation or dissociation (feeling disconnected from thoughts, feelings or surroundings).