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 Does It Take for SPRAVATO to Start Working?

Last Updated: 04/15/2026

SUMMARY

Here is a passage from the SPRAVATO PRESCRIBING INFORMATION which may be helpful to address your question:

How long does it take for SPRAVATO to start working?

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults, as monotherapy or in conjunction with an oral (taken by mouth) antidepressant.

  • In a clinical study of adults with treatment-resistant depression, those who received SPRAVATO plus an oral antidepressant experienced greater reductions of depressive symptoms at 4 weeks compared to those who received a placebo plus an oral antidepressant.1
    • Most of the treatment differences between the SPRAVATO and placebo groups were observed at 24 hours.
    • Between 24 hours and Day 28, both the SPRAVATO and placebo groups continued to improve but the treatment difference between the groups generally stayed the same and did not appear to increase.
    • On Day 28, 67% of the patients randomized to SPRAVATO were receiving 84 mg twice weekly.
  • In a clinical study of adults with treatment-resistant depression, those who received SPRAVATO alone experienced the effect of SPRAVATO for both doses (56 mg and 84 mg) at day 2 (change from baseline to day 2 was approximately 24 hours) and remained through Day 28.1

Depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.

  • In clinical studies of adults with MDD with acute suicidal ideation or behavior, those who received         SPRAVATO plus an oral antidepressant experienced a greater reduction of depressive symptoms at 24 hours compared to those who took a placebo plus an oral antidepressant.1
    • Most of the treatment difference between the SPRAVATO and placebo groups was observed starting at 4 hours.
    • Between 4 hours after starting and Day 25, both groups continued to improve but the treatment difference between the groups generally stayed the same and did not appear to increase.

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 use 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 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
J&J Medical Connect

Connect with us

  • Products