How Long Do Patients Stay on Spravato?

Spravato is a prescription nasal spray FDA-approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression. It’s an alternative option for people who haven’t responded to medication or suffer from severe depressive symptoms. But for patients who are interested in taking Spravato, some of the most common questions are, how long do I have to stay on Spravato? Is there a set course of treatment? Do I stay on it forever?

The answer is that there isn’t an exact answer. There isn’t a standard timeline for Spravato. The length of treatment depends on each person’s needs, response to therapy, and guidance from a professional. Although there aren’t set guidelines on how long to stay on Spravato, there are general recommendations based on how Spravato is prescribed and what the research has shown.

The Phases of Spravato Treatment

Spravato treatment is structured in stages:

• Induction phase (first 4 weeks): Most patients begin treatment twice a week for weeks one through four. The aim of this phase is to achieve rapid relief from your symptoms of depression. You will feel the medicine begin to work and the doctors will watch how you respond.
• Maintenance phase: At the end of the first week, maintenance will begin. This phase is designed to continue the progress you have made with your symptoms. Frequency usually reduces to weekly or bi-weekly if progress is stable.

Long-term maintenance will be determined by you and your doctor. Based on your specific response to treatment and what your doctor thinks you need to sustain your progress will determine how frequently you need to take Spravato.

How Long Do People Usually Stay on Spravato?

Many patients continue treatment for several months to help maintain stability. In clinical trials, many patients stayed on Spravato for six months to a year, and some continued past that. The goal of Spravato is not to just provide quick relief, but to help maintain relief over time. Each person’s journey will be different, but there are certain factors that can play into a patient staying on Spravato for longer. For example, patients with a history of relapse or patients with very severe depression may need to stay on Spravato long-term to help keep symptoms from reappearing.

Factors That Influence Treatment Length

The primary variables that can impact how long someone is on Spravato are:

• Depression severity and history: Patients with severe or chronic depression may require prolonged therapy
• Response to therapy: Some people respond sooner than others, and some take longer to see results
• Side effects: For some patients, side effects can make long-term use very difficult
• Provider guidance: If the patient’s improvements are waning, doctors may change the patient’s dosage or revisit the treatment plan

What The Research Says

Research on Spravato showed studies following patients for up to a year. The trials revealed that these patients maintained improvement of symptoms over that period, especially when the treatment continued through the maintenance phase.

It’s also important to note that the FDA has not specified a maximum length of time for Spravato. So treatment timelines heavily depend on continued evaluation from doctors. Some patients will taper off after a few months, while others will remain on it for longer with oversight. Treatment is flexible and dependent on each patient’s needs.

Many times, patients are taking oral medication along with Spravato, which can also affect the treatment plan. Some patients may use Spravato to stabilize and then transition back to relying mostly on their oral medication. While others may keep using Spravato long-term alongside their oral medication to keep managing their symptoms.

What This Means for Patients

If you are considering taking Spravato, but want to know how long you will need to be on it, know that treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, Spravato is a short-term option, while for others it’s part of a longer journey. Everyone responds differently. The most important part of the process is having constant communication with your doctor. Your provider will help you assess your progress, monitor side effects, and help you determine the appropriate time to reduce frequency or stop treatment.

If you want to Learn more about Spravato and where it’s available near you, visit MDDCare.com.