SPRAVATO, First New Depression Medication In 30 Years, Approved by FDA

The Benefits Of Spravato

Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray was first approved by the FDA in 2019 for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. This was the first time that esketamine, a chemical cousin of ketamine, had been approved for medicinal use. It was later approved as a monotherapy for major depressive disorder (MDD) in January 2025.

Spravato must be administered by a doctor or under medical supervision and only after someone has tried other depression medications. This is due to its potency and potential hazards.

The Spravato labeling contains a boxed warning that cautions that patients are at risk for sedation and difficulty with attention, judgment and thinking (dissociation), abuse and misuse, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors after administration of the drug.

Spravato is only meant for people who have had no success with prior medications. This is due to the nature of its primary component, esketamine. Esketamine gets its name from being chemically similar to ketamine, a potent hallucinogen and “club drug.” Ketamine was first created as an anesthetic for animals but was soon discovered to cause hallucinations when taken in large doses. This is what propelled its use as a club drug.  For this reason, Spravato is not available over-the-counter and can only be administered under supervision.

While the FDA has approved it, keep in mind that there have been 6 reported deaths of people using Spravato, 3 of which were suicides. An investigation has ruled that the medication was not responsible for these deaths. Still, it shows that this is not a miracle cure and should only be taken under supervision and at the discretion of a medical professional.

The Risk Of Spravato

Because of the risk of Spravato, patients who are given the medication must be monitored for at least 2 hours after taking it. It could be dangerous to drive or even walk home after the spray has been administered. If you or someone you love suffer from clinical depression, and other medications have failed in the past, talk with a doctor about Spravato. Do not, however, use it irresponsibly. It is a potent drug that could become hazardous when used incorrectly.

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