J&J Medical Connect
SPRAVATO®

(esketamine)

This information is intended for US patients and caregivers to access current scientific information about J&J Innovative Medicine products. It is prepared by Medical Information and is not intended to promote the use of our products, nor to provide medical advice.

How Long Do I Have to Wait Before I Can Drive or Return to Work After I Take SPRAVATO?

Last Updated: 02/17/2026

summary

Here is a passage from the SPRAVATO MEDICATION GUIDE which may be helpful in addressing your question:

How long do I have to wait before I can drive or return to work after I take SPRAVATO?

  • Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything where you need to be completely alert after taking SPRAVATO. Do not take part in these activities until the next day following a restful sleep.1
  • SPRAVATO may cause sleepiness (sedation), fainting, dizziness, spinning sensation, anxiety, or feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feelings, space and time (dissociation), and breathing problems (respiratory depression and respiratory arrest).1
    • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel like you cannot stay awake or if you        feel like you are going to pass out.    
    • Your healthcare provider must monitor you for serious side effects for at least 2 hours after using this medication. Your healthcare provider will decide when you are ready to   leave the healthcare setting.    
  • You will need to plan for a caregiver or family member to drive you home after taking SPRAVATO.1

additional information

This information is provided ONLY in response to your request and is not intended as medical advice, to promote the use of our product, or suggest using it in any manner other than as described in the PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. All decisions regarding your medical treatment should be made with your healthcare professional(s). Please contact your healthcare professional(s) to discuss the information in this response.

Please refer to the attached full PRESCRIBING INFORMATION and the MEDICATION GUIDE for SPRAVATO.1

References

1 SPRAVATO (esketamine) nasal spray [Prescribing Information]. Titusville, NJ: Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc; https://www.jnjlabels.com/package-insert/product-monograph/prescribing-information/SPRAVATO-pi.pdf