SPRAVATO
What Is SPRAVATO?
SPRAVATO (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression. It is the first in a new class of antidepressants that works through a different pathway than traditional medications, offering relief for patients who have tried multiple antidepressants without adequate results.
SPRAVATO is approved for two specific indications:
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): for adults with major depressive disorder who have not responded to at least two different antidepressant treatments.
Major Depressive Disorder with Acute Suicidal Ideation or Behavior (MDSI): for adults who need rapid reduction of depressive symptoms.
Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to produce noticeable effects, SPRAVATO works on the glutamate system in the brain and can reduce symptoms significantly faster. It is administered as a nasal spray in a certified clinical setting and must be used alongside an oral antidepressant.
Loop Medical Center is a REMS-certified SPRAVATO treatment center. Every session is supervised by Dr. Nidal Elbaridi and conducted at our Chicago locations.
How SPRAVATO Works
Traditional antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs target serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine. These medications work for many patients, but a significant number do not respond, even after trying multiple options.
SPRAVATO works differently. It targets the NMDA receptor and the glutamate system, which plays a central role in mood regulation and brain plasticity. By acting on this pathway, SPRAVATO helps the brain form new neural connections and can restore communication between areas involved in mood, cognition, and emotional regulation.
This mechanism is why SPRAVATO can produce symptom relief within hours or days rather than the weeks required by conventional antidepressants. For patients with treatment-resistant depression who have been suffering for years, this speed of response can be significant.
Is SPRAVATO Right for You?
SPRAVATO may be appropriate if:
- You have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder
- You have tried at least two antidepressant medications at adequate doses and durations without sufficient improvement
- Your depression is significantly affecting your quality of life, relationships, or ability to function
- You are currently under the care of a mental health provider and are willing to continue oral antidepressant therapy alongside SPRAVATO
SPRAVATO is not appropriate for everyone. Dr. Elbaridi will conduct a full medical evaluation, review your psychiatric and medication history, and determine whether SPRAVATO is a safe and appropriate option for your specific situation. Certain medical conditions and medications can affect eligibility.
What to Expect at Loop Medical Center
SPRAVATO is not a take-home medication. Every dose is self-administered in our office under direct medical supervision. The process is structured, monitored, and designed with your safety and comfort in mind.
Before your session
You will meet with Dr. Elbaridi for an initial evaluation. He will review your diagnosis, medication history, and overall health. If SPRAVATO is appropriate for you, he will prescribe it through the SPRAVATO REMS program and schedule your first session.
The day of your session
You arrive at the clinic and check in. You self-administer the nasal spray under staff supervision. Each session takes approximately two hours from administration through monitoring. During this time you remain in the clinic while our team monitors your blood pressure, alertness, and overall response to the medication. You may experience some dissociation or dizziness during and shortly after administration. These effects are temporary and resolve before you leave.
After your session
You may not drive on the day of your treatment session. Plan to have someone take you home or arrange transportation in advance. Most patients are able to resume normal activities the following day.
Ongoing sessions
Treatment follows a structured schedule. During the induction phase, you receive two sessions per week for four weeks. Depending on your response, you may transition to a maintenance phase with less frequent sessions. Dr. Elbaridi will monitor your progress throughout and adjust your plan accordingly.
Insurance and Coverage
SPRAVATO is covered by most major commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and some Medicaid plans. Coverage and prior authorization requirements vary by plan.
Loop Medical Center accepts most PPO plans, Medicare Advantage, and HMO plans. Our team will verify your coverage before your first session and walk you through any prior authorization requirements.
If you have questions about coverage, call us directly at (312) 414-1088 and our team will review your benefits with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is treatment-resistant depression?
Treatment-resistant depression is diagnosed when a patient has not experienced adequate improvement after trying at least two antidepressant medications at the correct dose for a sufficient duration, typically at least six to eight weeks each. It affects a significant portion of people with major depressive disorder and often requires a different treatment approach than standard antidepressants alone.
How is SPRAVATO different from ketamine infusions?
SPRAVATO (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray derived from ketamine. It is specifically approved for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation. IV ketamine infusions are administered differently and are used off-label for depression and pain conditions. SPRAVATO is covered by insurance in many cases; IV ketamine infusions typically are not. Both are administered in a supervised clinical setting.
Will I feel the effects immediately?
Many patients notice a reduction in depressive symptoms within the first few sessions, sometimes within hours of the first dose. Individual responses vary. The induction phase of four weeks is designed to establish a therapeutic response, and the full benefit of treatment often builds over the course of multiple sessions.
Can I drive myself to and from sessions?
No. You may not drive on the day of your SPRAVATO session. You must arrange for someone to pick you up or use a rideshare service. This is a REMS program requirement, not optional. Please plan accordingly when scheduling your appointments.
Do I have to stop my current antidepressant to take SPRAVATO?
No. SPRAVATO is intended to be used alongside an oral antidepressant, not as a replacement. Dr. Elbaridi will coordinate with your mental health provider to ensure that your complete medication plan is safe and appropriate.
How long does a SPRAVATO session take?
Each session takes approximately two hours from the time of administration through the required post-dose monitoring period. Plan to be at the clinic for the full two hours. You will not be able to leave before the monitoring period is complete.
Is SPRAVATO a controlled substance?
Yes. SPRAVATO is a Schedule III controlled substance. It is dispensed exclusively through certified treatment centers under the SPRAVATO REMS program. You cannot receive a prescription to take home. Every dose is administered and monitored at our clinic.
Does Loop Medical Center coordinate with my psychiatrist or therapist?
Yes. SPRAVATO works best as part of a broader mental health treatment plan that includes ongoing psychiatric care and, where appropriate, psychotherapy. Dr. Elbaridi will communicate with your mental health providers to coordinate your care.
Schedule Your SPRAVATO Consultation
If you have been struggling with depression that has not responded to standard treatments, SPRAVATO may offer a path forward. Dr. Elbaridi will evaluate your history, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment of whether SPRAVATO is the right option for you.
Call or text: (312) 414-1088
South Loop: 1921 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Streeterville: 432 E Grand Ave, Suite A, Chicago, IL 60611
Most PPO, Medicare Advantage, and HMO plans accepted.
Important Safety Information
SPRAVATO is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson and its affiliated companies.
For additional information visit: www.spravatohcp.com/resources
Please see Indications and Important Safety Information, full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide for SPRAVATO.
This page communicates only about Loop Medical Center’s SPRAVATO-related services. Use of the SPRAVATO name does not constitute an endorsement by Johnson & Johnson of Loop Medical Center.