Written by Corina Girigan, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C — Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in depression, anxiety, addiction, and medication management at New Dawn Psychiatric Care. Read full bio →
Updated: [07/07/2026]
Is Spravato for Depression Right for Me?
Spravato for depression may be an option for adults who have tried antidepressant medications without experiencing significant relief. The treatment was specifically approved for people with treatment-resistant depression, meaning their symptoms have continued despite trying at least two antidepressants. If depression continues to affect your work, relationships, motivation, or quality of life after multiple treatment attempts, a psychiatric evaluation can help determine whether Spravato may be appropriate.
TL;DR
- Spravato for depression is FDA-approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression.
- Many candidates have tried two or more antidepressants without meaningful symptom improvement.
- Spravato is administered in a certified medical office and used alongside an oral antidepressant.
- A psychiatric evaluation is the best way to determine whether Spravato is a safe and appropriate treatment option for your specific situation.
Table of Contents
- Who Is a Good Candidate for Spravato for Depression?
- What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
- When Might Spravato Be Considered?
- Who May Not Be a Good Candidate for Spravato?
- What Happens During a Spravato Evaluation?
- Why Do Some People Choose Spravato After Other Treatments Have Failed?
- How Can New Dawn Psychiatric Care Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is a Good Candidate for Spravato for Depression?
The strongest candidates for Spravato for depression are adults whose symptoms have persisted despite appropriate treatment with antidepressant medications.
Many patients who explore Spravato have spent years trying to find relief. They may have switched medications multiple times, adjusted dosages, participated in therapy, or combined several treatment approaches without achieving the improvement they hoped for.
You may be a candidate if:
- You have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
- You have tried at least two antidepressants that did not provide sufficient relief.
- Depression continues to interfere with daily functioning.
- You can attend regularly scheduled in-office treatment sessions.
- Your psychiatric provider believes Spravato may be clinically appropriate.
The key takeaway is that eligibility is based on your individual treatment history, current symptoms, and overall health rather than the severity of depression alone.
What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Treatment-resistant depression is a term used when depression does not improve after adequate trials of at least two antidepressant medications.
This does not mean the depression is permanent or untreatable. It simply means the first treatment approaches were not effective enough.
Research suggests that treatment-resistant depression is more common than many people realize. Some individuals experience partial improvement, while others continue to struggle with symptoms such as:
- Persistent sadness
- Low motivation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sleep
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
For these individuals, exploring alternative treatments may become an important part of recovery.
When Might Spravato Be Considered?
Spravato is often considered after traditional treatment approaches have not produced sufficient results.
A psychiatric provider may discuss Spravato when:
Multiple Medications Have Been Unsuccessful
Many patients considering Spravato have tried different antidepressant classes without achieving lasting improvement.
Depression Continues to Affect Daily Life
Even when symptoms improve slightly, depression may still impact work performance, relationships, self-care, and overall quality of life.
Other Evidence-Based Treatments Have Been Explored
Many candidates have participated in therapy, medication management, lifestyle interventions, or a combination of treatments before discussing Spravato.
The goal is not simply to reduce symptoms. The goal is to help people regain functioning and reconnect with the parts of life that depression has made difficult to access.
Who May Not Be a Good Candidate for Spravato?
Spravato is not appropriate for everyone experiencing depression.
Certain medical conditions, psychiatric concerns, and safety considerations may affect whether the treatment is recommended.
Your provider will carefully evaluate factors such as:
|
Consideration |
Why It Matters |
|
Blood pressure history |
Spravato can temporarily increase blood pressure |
|
Cardiovascular conditions |
Additional monitoring may be necessary |
|
Substance use history |
Treatment planning may require additional considerations |
|
Pregnancy status |
Safety considerations must be reviewed |
|
Current medications |
Potential interactions should be assessed |
A thorough evaluation helps ensure that treatment decisions are based on both effectiveness and safety.
What Happens During a Spravato Evaluation?
A Spravato evaluation is designed to determine whether the treatment aligns with your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals.
During the evaluation, your provider may discuss:
- Previous antidepressant trials
- Current symptoms
- Psychiatric history
- Medical conditions
- Current medications
- Previous therapy experiences
- Treatment goals
This conversation helps identify whether Spravato represents the next logical step in your care plan or whether another treatment option may be more appropriate.
Questions Your Provider May Ask
Patients are often surprised by how detailed the evaluation process is.
Your provider may ask:
- Which medications have you tried previously?
- How long did you take each medication?
- What symptoms are affecting your life most right now?
- Have you experienced any improvement from past treatments?
- What are you hoping will be different six months from now?
These questions help create a complete clinical picture rather than focusing only on current symptoms.
Why Do Some People Choose Spravato After Other Treatments Have Failed?
Many patients who pursue Spravato feel discouraged after years of searching for effective treatment.
Some have experienced temporary relief from medications that eventually stopped working. Others have never found a treatment that reduced symptoms enough to improve their daily lives.
One reason patients explore Spravato is that it works differently than traditional antidepressants. While conventional antidepressants primarily target serotonin and related neurotransmitters, Spravato acts on glutamate pathways involved in brain communication and neural connections.
For patients who have exhausted multiple medication options, that different mechanism can make Spravato worth discussing with a qualified psychiatric provider.
How Can New Dawn Psychiatric Care Help?
At New Dawn Psychiatric Care, we understand how frustrating it can be when depression persists despite multiple treatment attempts.
Our team provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and individualized treatment planning for adults experiencing depression, anxiety, and other mood-related concerns. When appropriate, we help patients explore advanced treatment options, including Spravato for depression, while ensuring that every recommendation is based on clinical evidence, safety considerations, and personal treatment goals.
If you have been struggling with depression despite trying medication and therapy, a consultation can help determine what options may be available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many antidepressants do I need to try before Spravato?
Spravato is generally prescribed for treatment-resistant depression, which typically means at least two antidepressant medications have been tried without sufficient improvement. Your provider will review your treatment history during the evaluation process.
Can Spravato help severe depression?
Spravato was approved to help adults with treatment-resistant depression and certain cases of major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or actions. Eligibility depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment history.
Can I receive Spravato if I am already taking antidepressants?
Yes. Spravato is intended to be used alongside an oral antidepressant rather than as a standalone medication.
Is Spravato the same as ketamine therapy?
Spravato contains esketamine, which is derived from ketamine and has received FDA approval for specific depression-related conditions. Other ketamine treatments may differ in formulation, administration, and regulatory approval.
About New Dawn Psychiatric Care
New Dawn Psychiatric Care provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and advanced depression treatment options for adults seeking personalized mental health care. Our team works with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and treatment-resistant depression, including those who have not found sufficient relief through traditional antidepressant medications. Through evidence-based care and individualized treatment planning, we help patients explore options such as Spravato treatment as part of a broader path toward recovery.
About the Author
Written by Corina Girigan, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C- is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at New Dawn Psychiatric Care. She specializes in the evaluation and treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and treatment-resistant mental health conditions. Through a combination of psychiatric assessment, medication management, and advanced treatment options, Corina Girigan helps patients develop treatment plans tailored to their unique symptoms, goals, and life circumstances.
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