SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is a groundbreaking treatment for adults with treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. This prescription medication is administered as a nasal spray under medical supervision. It offers hope when you have not found relief with traditional antidepressants.
You might be wondering, “How long can you stay on SPRAVATO®?” if you are considering this therapy or if you have already started esketamine. Understanding the treatment timeline is essential when planning your recovery journey. While SPRAVATO® is not a forever medication, you may benefit from continued use beyond the initial phase. The clinicians at The Holiner Psychiatric Group will develop your personalized care plan based on how you respond to the treatment, how well you tolerate it, and whether symptoms return when your sessions are spaced or paused.
SPRAVATO® contains esketamine, a form of ketamine that works differently from typical antidepressants. While most antidepressants target serotonin, SPRAVATO® targets the brain’s glutamate system, a pathway that is associated with mood regulation and rapid symptom relief.
This fast-acting mechanism makes esketamine especially helpful when you have severe, persistent depression. However, because of the potential side effects, it is administered at certified treatment centers where you are monitored for at least two hours after each dose. Side effects can include:
The Holiner Psychiatric Group will develop a customized treatment plan for you that will outline the duration of your esketamine therapy.
SPRAVATO® treatment begins with a structured dosing plan that has been approved by the FDA. In the induction phase, weeks one to four, you will receive two treatments each week. This is followed by the maintenance phase, weeks five through eight, during which you will receive one treatment each week.
Depending on your symptoms and how you respond to the treatment sessions, starting at week nine, you may receive one dose every one or two weeks. This flexible schedule is designed to stabilize you in the first weeks and then gradually reduce treatment frequency as your symptoms improve. How long you stay on SPRAVATO® will be determined by your progress.
There is no universal limit to how long a person can stay on SPRAVATO®. Some people stay on treatment for several months or longer, especially if they continue to show improvement and experience minimal side effects. Post-market data and some clinical trials support ongoing treatment when you benefit from continued dosing.
However, SPRAVATO® is not necessarily intended to be a lifelong treatment. The decision to continue, pause, or discontinue treatment depends on a range of personal and clinical factors. At The Holiner Psychiatric Group, we regularly evaluate your progress and symptoms to determine whether ongoing treatment is appropriate. You might continue weekly or biweekly sessions for an extended time, while other people may be able to stop taking the medication after achieving sustained symptom relief.
Several factors can influence the length of time you may be on esketamine. These may include your response to treatment, symptom relief, and how you tolerate dose reduction. The severity and duration of your depression are also considered since long-standing or severe cases may require longer treatment times.
If side effects become a problem, your treatment plan may be adjusted. SPRAVATO® is also used alongside talk therapy or oral antidepressants, which can support your treatment plan. The best outcomes typically come from a shared decision-making process between you and your provider.
Yes, SPRAVATO® can be safely discontinued, but only under the guidance of a medical professional. You should never abruptly stop treatment without consulting your provider. You may be able to gradually decrease your use of SPRAVATO® after achieving symptom control, or you may stop and resume treatment later if the symptoms return.
We help you monitor potential rebound symptoms and provide ongoing support as you discontinue use of esketamine. It is important to continue any other treatments, such as therapy or oral antidepressants, that you are using to control your symptoms of depression. This helps maintain your progress and prevents relapse as we review how long you may need to take esketamine.
SPRAVATO® could be a powerful option when you have not responded to traditional depression treatments. There is no set timeline for how long you can stay on SPRAVATO®. Instead, the right duration for you depends on factors like your response, treatment goals, and overall mental health.
We will work closely with you to create a personalized plan of care that not only manages your symptoms but also helps you regain your sense of hope, motivation, and stability. Contact The Holiner Psychiatric Group today. We are here to help you explore your options and support your path to recovery.