Esketamine
Spravato is a prescription nasal spray medication containing esketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, approved by the FDA for treating treatment-resistant depression in adults who have not responded adequately to other antidepressants. It is also approved for reducing symptoms of major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation.
Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression or severe depression with suicidal thoughts, working through the glutamate system unlike typical antidepressants.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 2119382
- Generic
- Spravato
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Spravato is FDA-approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression (who have not responded to at least two other antidepressant treatments) and for the acute treatment of major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It is used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.
Spravato contains esketamine, which works as a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist. Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine systems, esketamine acts on the glutamate system, potentially promoting synaptic connections and providing relatively rapid antidepressant effects.
Spravato carries a boxed warning for sedation, dissociation, abuse, and suicidal thoughts. Due to these risks, it is only available through a restricted distribution program (REMS) and must be administered in a certified healthcare setting where patients can be monitored for at least 2 hours after each dose. Common side effects include dissociation, dizziness, nausea, sedation, and increased blood pressure.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy