Sprovato is among the most effective and novel drugs used in the treatment of depression disorder and suicidal ideation. It is approved by the FDA for use in adults with severe forms of depression, including major depressive disorder, as well as treatment-resistant depression. However, one of the most common questions asked by patients using Spravato is: How long does Sprovato last? While the effects peak at 40 minutes and last up to 4 hours, there are several factors that can affect the duration of its effects.
How Long Does Spravato Last in the Body?
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that Spravato is an intranasal drug, meaning it is taken through the nose and, therefore, is much faster-acting than regular oral antidepressants. Spravato is a form of ketamine known as esketamine and its effects can be felt within minutes compared to traditional antidepressants that may take weeks or even months to work.
The drug is rapidly absorbed through the nasal mucosa into the blood, and then distributed throughout the body. Its half-life is anywhere between 7 to 12 hours. A medicine’s half-life means the time taken for its concentration to be reduced by half in the body. In other words, it is how long it takes for your body to eliminate half of the drug from your system.
Having a half-life of 7 to 12 hours means that Spravato can stay in your body for up to 24 hours, especially if you are a frequent user. However, the effects of the drug may wear off before it completely leaves your system. This is because individual factors such as weight, age, and overall health can also impact how long Spravato lasts in the body.
How Long Does Spravato Last When Treating Depressive Symptoms?
Spravato is fast-acting, meaning it’s a good choice for people experiencing severe, treatment-resistant depression, or who are at heightened risk of suicide. The peak effects of the drug can be felt physically and emotionally within 40 minutes of dosing.
During the peak dosage at 40 minutes, several symptoms will be noticeable, including:
- Heightened blood pressure
- Dissociation
- Respiratory depression
- Sedation
- Sleepiness
- Numbness
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
These symptoms can persist for up to 4 hours. While these side effects might seem concerning, they should subside relatively quickly and are a normal part of the treatment process. After 4 hours, the effects of Spravato start to wear off, but you may still feel some mild sedation for several hours.
Due to this sedation, it’s recommended that people not drive home after treatment and only assume operating heavy machinery after a restful night’s sleep. Getting rest after Spravato treatment is essential as your brain and body begin to recover.
Factors That Can Affect How Long Spravato Lasts
The duration of Spravato’s effects can vary from person to person. Several factors can influence how long the drug stays in your system and its effectiveness. These include:
- Metabolism: Every person’s body metabolizes drugs differently, and this can affect how long Spravato lasts. Some people may process the drug more quickly, leading to a shorter time experiencing the effects, while others may process it more slowly, leading to a longer duration of effects.
- Dosage: The amount of Spravato administered can also impact how long it lasts. Higher doses may result in longer-lasting effects, while lower doses may wear off more quickly. Generally, doses range between 56mg or 84 mg.
- Stage of treatment: Between weeks 1-4, this induction stage requires dosing with Spravato twice weekly. For those wondering, “How long does Spravato last,” it might be longer-acting at the beginning of treatment during this induction phase. Between weeks 5-8, Spravato is given once every week, and then weeks 9 and upwards once weekly or every two weeks. Depending on your stage of treatment, the duration of Spravato can vary.
Experience the Change Spravato Can Bring to Your Life
While the duration of Spravato’s effects may vary, its ability to help treat depression and improve your quality of life should not be overlooked. For those struggling with treatment-resistant depression, Spravato offers a new hope for relief from symptoms that have not responded to other treatments. Along with medication and therapy, Spravato can be a powerful addition to your treatment plan.
At Pacific Mind Health in Long Beach, we’re proud to offer Spravato in addition to other innovative psychiatric treatments. From transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to specialized therapy, telepsychiatry, and more, our team is dedicated to helping our patients find relief from their mental health issues. If you’re interested in exploring Spravato as a treatment option, don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment with us today.