Some people try two or more antidepressants and still feel stuck. The sadness, low energy, or loss of interest does not lift the way they hoped. At Ample Urgent & Primary Care in West Hartford we offer Spravato (esketamine) treatment for adults in that situation. Treatments happen in our office at 10 Princeton Street under the care of Dr. Mojdeh Heidari, DNP, FNP-C. You stay in a supervised setting for the full visit. Insurance coverage depends on your plan, treatment history, and any required authorization.
This guide explains what Spravato is, who it is for, what a session looks like, and what you can expect.
What Spravato Is
Spravato is a nasal spray that contains esketamine. It is different from the antidepressants most people take by mouth. Those medicines often work on serotonin and can take weeks to show an effect. Spravato works on a different system in the brain and can start helping some people more quickly. It is FDA-approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression, which generally means depression that has not improved enough after at least two antidepressants taken at adequate doses for long enough to assess their effect.
For adults with major depressive disorder and acute suicidal thoughts or behavior, it treats depressive symptoms alongside an oral antidepressant. It has not been shown to prevent suicide and does not replace needed emergency care.
For treatment-resistant depression, Spravato may be prescribed alone or with an oral antidepressant. The SPRAVATO prescribing information (opens in a new tab) explains these approved uses. The spray is given in a certified medical office, not at home. After each dose you stay for monitoring so the team can watch for side effects and make sure you are safe to leave.
Who It May Help
For treatment-resistant depression, Spravato is an option for adults who have already tried standard treatments without enough relief. If you have been on two or more antidepressants at adequate doses and for long enough periods and still have significant symptoms, you may qualify. It is not a first-line treatment and it is not for everyone. We review your full history, current medications, and any other health conditions before starting. Some people are not candidates because of certain medical issues or because they cannot arrange a ride home after sessions.
If you are unsure whether you meet the criteria, we can talk through your treatment history during a consultation and help determine the next steps. We also assist with prior authorization paperwork when your insurance requires it.
What a Session Looks Like
You arrive and check in at the front desk. We confirm how you have been feeling, review any changes in medications, and check your blood pressure. Once you are ready, you self-administer the nasal spray under supervision. After taking the spray, you stay for at least two hours of monitoring, including blood pressure, alertness, and breathing checks.
During that time some people feel relaxed or a bit disconnected from their surroundings. Others notice dizziness, nausea, or changes in how things look or sound. These effects often ease during the visit, but they can be significant. You leave only when the clinician determines it is safe; monitoring may take longer than two hours. You must have a pre-arranged ride. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do activities requiring full alertness until the next day after a restful night’s sleep.
For treatment-resistant depression, the usual schedule is twice a week during weeks one through four, then once a week during weeks five through eight. From week nine onward, treatment may be weekly or every two weeks, depending on your response. Your clinician reviews whether to continue after the first four weeks. Each visit includes check-in, the dose, at least two hours of monitoring, and a ride home.
What to Expect Over Time
Some people notice a shift in mood within the first few sessions. For others the improvement builds more gradually across the early weeks. Results vary. We track how you are doing at each visit and adjust the plan with you and any other providers involved in your care. Because we also offer primary care in the same office, we can coordinate with the rest of your health needs instead of treating depression in isolation.
Dizziness, nausea, or feeling disconnected may occur. More serious risks include sedation, breathing problems, and increased blood pressure. Spravato also carries a risk of abuse and misuse. Tell your provider promptly about worsening depression or new suicidal thoughts. Follow your discharge instructions even if you feel better. We give clear instructions on what to watch for and when to call us.
Practical Details
Sessions are scheduled during our regular hours. You will need someone to drive you home every time — this is a firm requirement. Bring a list of your current medications and any recent records from other doctors if you have them. Wear comfortable clothes and ask what you can bring during monitoring. Follow the preparation instructions: no food for at least two hours before the dose and no liquids for at least 30 minutes beforehand.
We can help with the authorization process. Accepting your insurance does not guarantee that your plan covers Spravato. For cost and coverage questions, review our insurance and payment information and call ahead. Coverage depends on your plan, eligibility, and any required authorization.
Why People Choose Ample for Spravato
Treatments happen in a medical practice that also provides primary care and other services. Bring your treatment history even if you have visited Ample before, especially records from another office. At your consultation, we can talk through three practical questions: whether Spravato fits your history, how the visits would fit your week, and what your plan may cover. Planning the ride home is part of that conversation.
Ready to Talk About Next Steps?
If you have tried multiple antidepressants and are still struggling, Spravato at Ample Urgent & Primary Care may be an option. We are located at 10 Princeton Street in West Hartford. Call (860) 838-8799, email healthample@gmail.com, or request a consultation. The team will contact you to confirm availability. Email and the request form are for non-urgent scheduling; call 911 for an emergency.
Bring your questions and your treatment history. We will review everything with you in plain language and help you decide whether this is the right next step.
Sources and further reading
The sources below have 2026 publication, review, or update dates. External links open in a new tab.
- SPRAVATO prescribing information and Medication Guide (opens in a new tab)
Approved uses, supervised monitoring, and precautions after treatment. Prescribing information revised March 2026; Medication Guide revised September 2026.
This article provides general information and does not replace an individual medical evaluation. For personal guidance, speak with your provider. Call 911 for emergencies. Please keep symptoms, diagnoses, and medical records out of the website request form and ordinary email.