If you have experienced relief from treatment-resistant depression with
SPRAVATO®, you may wonder how long you can stay on SPRAVATO. Unlike medications that are prescribed for a predetermined number of days or weeks, SPRAVATO treatment for treatment-resistant depression does not have one fixed stopping point.
Your treatment schedule evolves according to your response, symptoms, and needs. SPRAVATO contains esketamine and is FDA-approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Your treatment starts using a structured schedule before transitioning into the maintenance phase.
How Long Does Initial SPRAVATO Treatment Last?
For
treatment-resistant depression, the FDA-approved dosing schedule begins with an induction phase. During weeks one through four, SPRAVATO is administered twice weekly. During weeks five through eight, treatment typically decreases to once weekly.
Beginning with week nine, treatment may continue once a week or once every two weeks. The goal is to use the least frequent schedule needed to maintain your response.
Can You Take SPRAVATO Long Term?
Yes, with treatment-resistant depression, you can stay on SPRAVATO as a maintenance treatment when you continue to
benefit, and your provider determines ongoing therapy is appropriate.
Recent research has examined patients receiving esketamine nasal spray for more than two years. A 2026 study following patients for up to 136 weeks found that most patients who had achieved remission did not relapse during long-term treatment (Reif et al., 2026).
These findings do not mean everyone should remain on SPRAVATO for years. Rather, they show why treatment duration is a decision that should be individualized.
Determining How Long You Need SPRAVATO
We consider more than how many weeks you have been receiving treatment. Your improvement in depressive symptoms, ability to function in everyday life, side effects, overall health, and risk of symptoms returning all influence your treatment plan.
Your treatment frequency may also change. If your symptoms remain well controlled, we may determine that less frequent maintenance sessions are appropriate. If symptoms begin returning, your treatment plan is reassessed.
SPRAVATO must be administered under the supervision of a healthcare provider in a certified healthcare setting. You are monitored for at least two hours following administration because of risks that include sedation and dissociation.
Should You Stop SPRAVATO If You Feel Better?
Feeling significantly better does not automatically mean you should discontinue treatment. Continued esketamine treatment has been associated with a lower risk of relapse among patients who initially responded or achieved remission.
We work together with you to weigh the benefits of continued treatment against potential
side effects and other considerations. You should not change your treatment schedule without discussing it with us first to avoid unwanted side effects.
Find Out How Long You Can Stay on SPRAVATO and If It Is Right for You
Hauser Clinic & Associates has deep roots in the Houston community. The Hauser family's history in Texas psychiatric care dates to 1936, and the clinic has served patients for more than six decades. Today, the multidisciplinary team provides psychiatric services for a range of mental health needs, including treatment-resistant depression and SPRAVATO therapy.
Our clinicians also have experience in inpatient, residential, addiction, and other advanced mental health settings. This enables us to consider your needs from a broader perspective and create a highly personalized treatment plan. We accept major insurance plans and can help you understand your coverage and available options.
If you are considering care for treatment-resistant depression or wondering how long you can stay on SPRAVATO,
request an appointment today. Together, we can determine a treatment plan designed around your response, progress, and long-term mental health needs.
