No, Spravato® (esketamine) cannot be taken at home under any circumstances.
It is a prescription treatment that must be administered only in a certified medical clinic or hospital under direct healthcare supervision.
What Is Spravato and How Is It Used?
Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray used to treat:
- Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or behaviors (in adults)
Although it is a nasal spray, Spravato is not self-administered at home like typical nasal medications. Each dose is given in a controlled clinical environment.
Why Home Use Is Not Allowed
Spravato is restricted due to safety and regulatory reasons:
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REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy):
The FDA requires Spravato to be used only in REMS-certified facilities. -
Monitoring for side effects:
Patients must be observed for at least 2 hours after dosing due to possible:-
Dissociation (feeling detached from reality)
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Sedation or dizziness
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Sudden increases in blood pressure
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Nausea or confusion
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Post-treatment safety rules:
Patients cannot drive, work, or make important decisions until the next day.
What Happens During a Spravato Appointment?
A typical Spravato treatment session includes:
- Pre-treatment health and blood pressure check
- On-site nasal spray administration
- Two-hour medical observation period
- Discharge only when clinically stable
- Transportation arranged (patients cannot drive themselves)
Why Spravato Is Different From At-Home Ketamine
Some people confuse Spravato with at-home ketamine therapies, but they are not the same:
- Spravato uses esketamine, a specific FDA-approved formulation
- At-home ketamine (oral or lozenge forms) is off-label and follows different medical protocols
- Spravato has stricter safety controls and clinical oversight
Is There Any At-Home Alternative to Spravato?
Currently, there is no FDA-approved at-home version of Spravato.
Patients interested in alternatives should consult a licensed mental health provider to discuss:
- In-clinic Spravato treatment
- Traditional antidepressant therapy
- Psychotherapy or other evidence-based options
Final Answer
Spravato cannot be taken at home. It must be administered in a certified healthcare setting with medical supervision and post-dose monitoring to ensure patient safety.
FAQs:
Is Spravato FDA-approved?
Yes, Spravato® (esketamine) is FDA-approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression and for major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or behaviors, when used alongside an oral antidepressant.
Where is Spravato administered?
Spravato is administered only in REMS-certified clinics or hospitals. It cannot be taken or stored at home.
How long does a Spravato treatment session take?
A typical Spravato session lasts about 2 to 3 hours, including administration and the required post-dose monitoring period.
Can I drive myself home after Spravato treatment?
No. Patients are not allowed to drive or operate machinery until the next day. You must arrange transportation home after each session.
How often is Spravato taken?
Spravato is usually taken twice weekly during the initial phase, then reduced to weekly or biweekly based on the provider’s recommendation and patient response.