Everything You Need To Know About Spravato Treatment – Addressing Frequently Asked Questions

At The Pearl Institute, we work with individuals in and around Waynesville NC who have tried multiple paths to relief from depression and still feel stuck. For some, Spravato treatment offers a new, evidence-based option when traditional antidepressants haven’t been enough. Below, we answer the most common questions we hear from patients and families who are exploring this innovative therapy.

What is Spravato?

Spravato® is the brand name for esketamine, a medication derived from ketamine and approved by the FDA. It is administered as a nasal spray under medical supervision and is used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. Because of how it affects the brain, Spravato must be taken in a certified treatment center like The Pearl Institute.

What is Spravato Used For?

Spravato is primarily used to treat treatment-resistant depression (TRD), depression that has not responded to at least two standard antidepressants. It is also approved for adults experiencing major depressive disorder with acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors, when rapid symptom relief is critical.

How Does Spravato Work?

Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin or norepinephrine, Spravato works on the glutamate system, a key pathway involved in mood regulation and neural connectivity. Esketamine helps promote new connections between brain cells, which may explain why some people experience improvement within hours or days rather than weeks.

Is Spravato Covered by Insurance?

In some cases, yes. Most major insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, offer coverage for Spravato when medical criteria are met. Our team at The Pearl Institute assists with benefits verification and prior authorization, helping patients understand costs and coverage before starting treatment.

What Does Spravato Treatment Feel Like?

Every person’s experience is unique, but common sensations include lightheadedness, dissociation, or a dream-like feeling during the session. Treatments are done in a calm, supportive environment, and patients are monitored for at least two hours afterward. Many describe the experience as unusual but manageable, and often emotionally insightful.

The Pearl Institute: Your Partner in Healing

Are you or a loved one considering Spravato treatment? Work with a specialized team you can trust. Reach out to us today & we will assist you with determining if esketamine is the right treatment for you.

Is Spravato The Same As Ketamine?

This is a frequent question. While related, esketamine vs ketamine is an important distinction to understand when. Ketamine is typically given intravenously and has been used off-label for depression. Spravato contains only the esketamine molecule, is FDA-approved, and follows a standardized dosing and safety protocol. Both can be effective, but Spravato offers a more regulated, insurance-friendly option.

Does Spravato Work?

Clinical studies and real-world experience show that Spravato can significantly reduce depressive symptoms for many people with treatment-resistant depression. While it’s not a cure and doesn’t work for everyone, patients who respond often report improved mood, energy, and outlook when Spravato is combined with traditional talk therapy and ongoing psychiatric care.

What To Do After Spravato

After treatment, patients cannot drive until the next day and should plan for rest. It’s common to feel tired or emotionally reflective. We recommend avoiding major decisions, alcohol, or strenuous activities for the remainder of the day, and focusing on hydration, gentle nourishment, and self-care. Long term, many patients also benefit from combining therapy & lifestyle changes with Spravato treatment.

What Are the Side Effects of Spravato?

Common Spravato side effects include dizziness, nausea, dissociation, increased blood pressure, headache, and fatigue. These effects usually occur during or shortly after treatment and resolve the same day. Our clinical team closely monitors patients to ensure safety and comfort throughout each session.

The Pearl Institute: Your Partner in Healing with Esketamine Treatment

At The Pearl Institute, we believe healing happens in relationships we build with our patients. With skilled clinicians, evidence-based treatments, and compassionate support. Spravato treatment is just one of the tools we offer as part of a comprehensive, personalized approach to mental health. If you’re exploring new options for depression and want to learn whether esketamine treatment is right for you, we’re here to walk that path with you every step of the way.