If you are thinking about starting SPRAVATO, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably about timing. How long will this last? Is this a short-term plan, or are you signing up for something that goes on for years? When you are already dealing with depression, the idea of adding another long process can feel overwhelming.
The honest answer is that it depends on how you respond and what you and your provider decide together. There is a general structure most people follow, but your plan is always personalized. Let us walk through what that usually looks like so you can feel more prepared.
The First Phase: Getting Started
Treatment with SPRAVATO® begins with what is called the induction phase. This part typically lasts four weeks. During this time, you will usually come into the clinic twice a week. That adds up to eight sessions in the first month.
The goal during these first weeks is to see how your body responds. SPRAVATO® works differently from traditional antidepressants. Instead of focusing mainly on serotonin, it targets the glutamate system in the brain. Because of that, some people notice improvements in mood fairly quickly, sometimes within days. For others, it takes a few weeks to feel a shift.
You will be monitored closely during this time. Each visit includes staying in the office for at least two hours after using the nasal spray so your care team can watch for side effects like dizziness, nausea, increased blood pressure, or feelings of dissociation. This careful monitoring is part of the safety program required for this medication.
The Maintenance Phase
If you are responding well after the first four weeks, you will usually move into the maintenance phase. This is where the schedule often changes to once a week for another month. After that, many people transition to once every two weeks.
How long you stay in this phase depends on your symptoms. Some people continue maintenance treatment for several months. Others may remain on a maintenance schedule longer if it continues to help keep their depression stable. SPRAVATO® is approved for ongoing use as part of a broader treatment plan, and it is always taken along with an oral antidepressant.
Can You Stay On SPRAVATO® Long Term?
There is no fixed maximum number of months that automatically applies to everyone. Clinical studies have followed patients for up to a year, and in practice, some individuals remain on treatment longer under close medical supervision. The key factor is whether the benefits continue to outweigh any side effects or risks.
If your symptoms improve and stay stable, your provider may talk with you about spacing treatments further apart or tapering off. If symptoms return, adjustments can be made. This is not a one-size-fits-all situation. It is a collaborative process focused on helping you feel better and stay better.
If you are considering SPRAVATO®, you probably have already tried other treatments without enough relief. That can feel discouraging, but it also means you are still searching for something that works. Asking how long you can stay on SPRAVATO® is a smart question, and it shows you are thinking ahead about your mental health. Call us to learn more about SPRAVATO®.