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.

SPRAVATO - How Does SPRAVATO Work?

Last Updated: 01/23/2026

SUMMARY

  • Here is a passage from the SPRAVATO PRESCRIBING INFORMATION and MEDICATION GUIDE which may be helpful in addressing your question:
  • SPRAVATO Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS): Because of the risks for sedation, dissociation, respiratory depression, abuse, and misuse, SPRAVATO is only available through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the SPRAVATO REMS. SPRAVATO can only be administered at healthcare settings certified in the SPRAVATO REMS Program. Patients treated in outpatient healthcare settings (such as medical offices and clinics) must be enrolled in the program.1

How does SPRAVATO work?1

  • SPRAVATO is a prescription medicine indicated for:
    • Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults, as monotherapy or in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.
    • Depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.
  • SPRAVATO is not for use as a medicine to prevent or relieve pain (anesthetic). It is not known if SPRAVATO is safe and effective as an anesthetic medicine.
  • When SPRAVATO is in the body, it works by blocking a receptor called the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA).
  • The way SPRAVATO exerts its antidepressant effects is unknown.

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 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