t Spravato (Esketamine) Treatment | InnerCalm Wellness NY & NJ
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Spravato® (Esketamine):
FDA-Approved Relief for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Spravato is a breakthrough FDA-approved nasal spray derived from ketamine, offering rapid relief for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and Major Depressive Disorder with suicidal ideation — when other treatments haven't been enough.

✅ FDA-Approved 2019 ⚡ Rapid-Acting Relief 🏥 In-Office Treatment 💊 REMS Certified Center
⚠️ Important Safety Note Spravato is only available through certified healthcare settings under the REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program. It is administered in-office and patients must be monitored for at least 2 hours after each dose. InnerCalm Wellness is a certified Spravato treatment center.


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What Is Spravato (Esketamine)?

Spravato® is the brand name for esketamine — a nasal spray version of ketamine developed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals and approved by the FDA in 2019. It was the first truly new class of antidepressant approved in over 30 years.

Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, Spravato works on the NMDA glutamate receptor — a completely different brain pathway. This means it can work even when multiple other medications have failed.

One of Spravato's most remarkable qualities is its speed. While traditional antidepressants can take 4–8 weeks to begin working, many patients experience measurable improvement in mood within hours to days of their first treatment.

Spravato is self-administered as a nasal spray under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider, and patients remain at the clinic for at least 2 hours for monitoring after each dose.

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Spravato at a Glance

  • FDA-approved since March 2019
  • Works within hours to days
  • New mechanism of action
  • Nasal spray — self-administered
  • In-office under supervision
  • 2-hour monitoring required
  • Twice-weekly induction phase
  • Covered by most major insurance
Who Is Spravato Right For?
Spravato has two FDA-approved indications — understanding which applies to you helps determine your treatment path

✅ You May Qualify If You Have...

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and tried 2+ antidepressants without success
  • MDD with active suicidal ideation with intent or behavior
  • Treatment-resistant depression despite adequate trials
  • Depression co-occurring with anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder
  • Experienced intolerable side effects from traditional antidepressants
  • Need rapid improvement in depressive symptoms

⚠️ Spravato May Not Be Right If You Have...

  • History of psychosis or schizophrenia
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Vascular (aneurysmal) disease or arteriovenous malformation
  • History of intracerebral hemorrhage
  • Current substance use disorder (active)
  • Sensitivity or allergy to ketamine or esketamine

Not sure if you qualify? Schedule a free consultation — our psychiatric team will review your history and determine the best path forward.

What to Expect During Spravato Treatment
A structured, supervised process designed for your safety and maximum benefit
1

Psychiatric Evaluation

Our psychiatrist reviews your full mental health history, prior medication trials, and current symptoms to confirm Spravato is the right fit and to obtain prior authorization from your insurance.

2

Induction Phase

Twice-weekly sessions for 4 weeks. You self-administer the nasal spray under our supervision. Each session lasts about 2.5 hours including monitoring.

3

Maintenance Phase

Once a week for 4 weeks, then every 1–2 weeks ongoing. Dosing is adjusted based on your response and tolerability throughout treatment.

4

During Your Session

You administer the spray yourself while seated comfortably. You may feel drowsy or dissociative temporarily — this is normal and why monitoring is required. You cannot drive on treatment days.

5

Ongoing Monitoring

Our team tracks your mood, side effects, and response at every visit. Spravato is always used alongside an oral antidepressant for best results.

Spravato vs. Traditional Antidepressants
Understanding what makes Spravato different from conventional depression treatments

💊 Spravato (Esketamine)

  • Works within hours to days
  • Brand-new mechanism (NMDA receptor)
  • Effective for treatment-resistant cases
  • FDA-approved for suicidal ideation
  • Supervised in-clinic administration
  • Rapid improvement in quality of life
  • Covered by most major insurances

💬 Traditional Antidepressants

  • Takes 4–8 weeks to see results
  • Targets serotonin/norepinephrine only
  • May not work after multiple failures
  • Not approved for suicidal ideation
  • Self-administered at home daily
  • Long adjustment period required
  • Can cause weight gain, sexual side effects
Safety, Side Effects & What to Expect
Spravato is safe when administered in a certified clinical setting — here's what you should know
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Dissociation & Drowsiness

Some patients experience temporary feelings of detachment, floating, or altered perception during the session. These effects typically resolve within 2 hours — which is why in-office monitoring is required.

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Blood Pressure Monitoring

Spravato can temporarily raise blood pressure. Your vital signs will be checked before, during, and after every session. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension require clearance first.

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No Driving on Treatment Days

You must arrange transportation on every Spravato treatment day. You cannot drive or operate heavy machinery for the remainder of the day after your session — plan accordingly.

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Nausea & Headache

Mild nausea, dizziness, and headache are the most common side effects. These are usually short-lived and often improve as treatment progresses. Eating a light meal before your session can help.

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REMS Certified Center

InnerCalm Wellness is a certified Spravato REMS site. This certification requires our team to complete specialized training in Spravato administration and safety monitoring protocols.

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Used With Oral Antidepressant

Spravato is not a standalone treatment — it is always prescribed alongside an oral antidepressant. Your psychiatrist will ensure your full medication regimen is optimized for the best outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Spravato treatment at InnerCalm Wellness
How quickly does Spravato work?
Many patients notice improvements in mood, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts within hours of their first or second session. Significant antidepressant effects typically develop over the first 2–4 weeks of the induction phase. This rapid onset is one of Spravato's most important clinical advantages over traditional antidepressants.
Does insurance cover Spravato?
Yes — Spravato is covered by most major insurance plans including Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, BlueCross BlueShield, Medicare, and Medicaid, provided you meet the criteria (typically, failure of 2+ antidepressant medications). Our team will verify your benefits and obtain prior authorization before your first treatment.
Is Spravato the same as ketamine infusions?
Spravato (esketamine) and ketamine infusions are related but different. Esketamine is one component of ketamine and is delivered as a nasal spray in an FDA-approved, insurance-covered format. IV ketamine infusions are not FDA-approved for depression and are typically not covered by insurance. Spravato is the regulated, standardized option available at certified centers like InnerCalm Wellness.
How long does a Spravato session take?
Plan for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours per session. This includes a brief pre-treatment check-in and vital sign assessment, the actual nasal spray administration (about 10 minutes), and a mandatory 2-hour monitoring period while you rest comfortably at our clinic. You cannot leave until our team clears you.
Will I feel "high" during treatment?
Some patients experience mild dissociative effects — such as feeling detached from their surroundings, perceptual changes, or dreamlike sensations — during the 2-hour monitoring window. These effects are temporary and resolve before you leave. They are a known, expected part of how Spravato works and do not indicate anything is wrong.
Can I stop Spravato once I feel better?
You should never stop Spravato without guidance from your psychiatrist. Stopping abruptly can lead to a return of depressive symptoms. Your doctor will work with you to taper or transition your treatment plan if and when the time comes, based on your ongoing response and overall treatment goals.

Ready to Explore Spravato Treatment?

Our certified Spravato team at InnerCalm Wellness is here to answer your questions, verify your insurance, and help you take the next step toward relief.

📞 Call (516) 513-1256 Book Online via ZocDoc

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