How Long Does It Take Spravato® to Work?

More than 30% of patients with major depressive disorder experience little or no benefit from traditional treatment. When depression doesn’t respond to antidepressants, it feels discouraging and isolating, causing those who are already struggling significant additional distress.

At Labyrinth Psychiatry Group, we understand how frustrating it is to try multiple medications without finding lasting relief. That’s why we offer Spravato®, an FDA-approved nasal spray designed for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder accompanied by suicidal thoughts and/or actions.

If you’re considering Spravato, one of the first questions you might have is: How long does it take to work? The answer varies from person to person, but many patients begin to notice changes sooner than with standard antidepressants.

Spravato explained

Spravato is a prescription nasal spray containing esketamine, a form of the anesthetic drug ketamine. It acts on the glutamate system, a key brain pathway involved in mood regulation and neural connectivity.

Traditional oral antidepressants target the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, chemicals that relay messages between neurons (nerve cells) in the brain, muscle cells, or gland cells. Because Spravato works differently, its effects are often faster than oral antidepressants.

We administer Spravato under medical supervision, monitoring patients for at least two hours after each dose for safety and comfort. Many patients begin to feel improvements within hours to days of their first dose. In clinical trials, some participants noticed a reduction in depressive symptoms as early as 24 hours after treatment.

However, it’s important to remember that response times vary. Some individuals experience noticeable relief after the first or second session, while others may need several treatments before feeling better. The full effect often becomes clearer after completing the initial four-week induction phase.

This induction phase is designed to jump-start improvement:

Weeks one to four

You’ll typically receive Spravato twice a week under medical supervision. During this time, we monitor your mood, side effects, and progress.

Week five onward

If you respond well, treatments usually taper to once a week or once every two weeks during the maintenance phase.

Most patients who respond experience significant relief within the first four to six weeks. Some describe feeling lighter, more motivated, and able to engage in daily life again, often when other medications have failed to bring this kind of change.

Factors that affect how fast Spravato works

Several factors can influence how quickly you respond to Spravato treatment:

Severity of depression

Individuals with more severe symptoms may take longer to notice improvements.

Previous treatment history

Those who’ve tried multiple medications may have a slower or more gradual response.

Consistency of sessions

Regular attendance during the induction phase helps build steady progress.

Overall health and lifestyle

Sleep, nutrition, and stress levels can all impact how well your body and brain respond to treatment.

We evaluate your progress throughout your treatment journey and make adjustments to ensure the best possible results.

What does Spravato feel like?

Spravato can cause temporary sensations such as lightheadedness, a feeling of disconnection, or mild drowsiness. These effects typically wear off within two hours, but for safety, you’ll need someone to drive you home after each session.

Many patients describe their experiences as calming or introspective, often reporting a noticeable lifting of emotional heaviness after a few sessions.

Spravato works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. We always prescribe it alongside an oral antidepressant and may combine it with therapy, mindfulness practices, and/or lifestyle changes.

When to expect lasting results

In many cases, Spravato provides a reset for the brain, helping restore balance to the neural pathways involved in mood regulation. This can open the door for lasting improvements, especially when combined with ongoing therapy and healthy lifestyle habits.

While early headway can occur quickly, sustained relief typically becomes more apparent after several weeks of consistent treatment. In addition, patients who continue maintenance sessions are more likely to stay symptom-free long-term compared with those who stop early.

Does Spravato work for everyone?

Numerous studies show that Spravato is an effective option for treatment-resistant depression, but it’s important to remember that there are no guarantees. Like any mental health treatment, what works for one patient may not work for another.

Our experienced mental health specialists carefully evaluate each patient to determine whether Spravato is the right option. If not, you might benefit from other treatments we offer, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

If you’ve tried multiple antidepressants without success, Spravato offers a new path forward. Contact Labyrinth Psychiatry Group by phone or online to learn whether Spravato could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. We have offices in Edison and Cranford, New Jersey.