SPRAVATO® Treatment in Denver
SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression and for depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder who have acute suicidal thoughts or actions. It is given in our clinic under supervision, with a monitoring period after each dose, and is covered by many insurance plans.
How SPRAVATO® works
Esketamine acts on the brain's glutamate system rather than the serotonin pathways most antidepressants target. In January 2025 the FDA also approved SPRAVATO® as a standalone treatment for adults with treatment-resistant depression, so it can be used with or without an oral antidepressant depending on your psychiatrist's plan.
What a visit is like
You self-administer the nasal spray in a private treatment room and remain in the clinic for a monitoring period of about two hours while our staff checks on you. You will need someone to drive you home. Sessions are usually twice weekly at first and less frequent over time.
Safety
SPRAVATO® can cause sedation, dissociation, and increases in blood pressure, and carries a boxed warning; it is available only through a restricted program (REMS) at certified treatment centers. Read the full Important Safety Information
Is SPRAVATO® right for you?
Your psychiatrist reviews your treatment history, current medications, and medical conditions to decide whether SPRAVATO®, TMS, or another approach fits best.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency room.