How Hard Is it to Get SPRAVATO?

If you have been living with depression that has not improved with traditional treatments, you may be wondering what your medication options are—and how hard is it to get SPRAVATO?

The good news is that getting SPRAVATO is often more straightforward than you might expect. However, because it is a specialized treatment with specific safety requirements, there are important steps you must take before you can begin the treatment process.

At The Nexus Group, our team guides you through each stage of the process, from determining your eligibility to coordinating ongoing care. Whether you are exploring medication management, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), or SPRAVATO treatment, understanding what to expect can help you make informed decisions about your mental health care.

What Is SPRAVATO?

SPRAVATO is an FDA-approved prescription nasal spray containing esketamine. This medication is typically used with an oral antidepressant to treat adults who have been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression and certain adults with major depressive disorder who experience acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Unlike traditional antidepressants, which may take several weeks to produce noticeable results, SPRAVATO works differently in your brain. This could help reduce symptoms more quickly.

However, since SPRAVATO can cause temporary side effects, including sedation, dissociation, and increased blood pressure, it must be administered in a certified medical office and is only available through a restricted distribution program called the SPRAVATO Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS).

Who Qualifies for SPRAVATO?

The first step in determining how hard it is to get SPRAVATO is whether you are a candidate for treatment. During your consultation at The Nexus Group PC, we evaluate your diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression after trying at least two antidepressant medications without adequate improvement.

The FDA has also approved the medication for major depressive disorder with acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors. You must also be able to attend in-office treatment sessions and monitoring appointments for safe administration. We review your medical history, current symptoms, previous treatments, and overall health to determine whether SPRAVATO is right for you.

Is It Difficult to Get Approved?

Oftentimes, the biggest challenge is not obtaining the medication itself—it is determining whether you meet the clinical criteria for treatment with SPRAVATO. We may need to review records from past treatments or coordinate with other members of your care team, such as your psychiatrist or primary care physician.

Insurance approval requirements can also vary depending on your plan. An experienced treatment team can help streamline the process by verifying your benefits, submitting any required documentation, and answering questions about costs and coverage.

What Does the Treatment Process Involve?

Because SPRAVATO is administered under medical supervision, treatment must take place in a certified healthcare setting. After your initial appointment and evaluation, you will administer the nasal spray, and our qualified providers will monitor you for up to two hours to ensure your safety.

You typically begin with a more frequent treatment schedule that gradually decreases over time based on your response and treatment goals. You will need someone to drive you home after each appointment, as you should not drive or operate machinery until the following day after a restful night’s sleep.