When depression comes with thoughts of suicide, time matters.
Spravato is FDA-approved, alongside an oral antidepressant, to treat depressive symptoms in adults with major depression who have acute suicidal thoughts or behavior. In the trials, depressive symptoms improved within the first day. It works alongside, never instead of, the urgent care you may need, and if you're in danger right now, call or text 988.
Call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline answers 24 hours a day. If you or someone with you is in immediate danger, call 911. More crisis resources.
Is Spravato approved for suicidal ideation?
Spravato is approved, together with an oral antidepressant, to treat depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder who have acute suicidal ideation or behavior (Spravato Prescribing Information). It's Spravato's second approved use, after treatment-resistant depression, and very few clinics talk about it.
How quickly does it help?
In the ASPIRE I and II trials, people with depression and active suicidal thoughts who received Spravato alongside standard care, often including a hospital stay, had a greater drop in depressive symptoms 24 hours after the first dose than those on standard care alone (Fu et al., 2020; Ionescu et al., 2021). That speed is what makes this use matter.
Does Spravato prevent suicide?
Spravato hasn't been shown to prevent suicide or to reduce suicidal thoughts or behavior on its own; the approval is for the depressive symptoms (Spravato Prescribing Information). It also doesn't replace a hospital stay when one is needed, even if someone feels better after the first dose. In our own practice, though, most patients who come to us with suicidal thoughts notice those thoughts easing fairly quickly once treatment begins, and it's rare for us not to see that. That's clinical experience rather than a trial result, which is why we treat Spravato as one part of a safety plan, coordinated with everyone already involved in your care.
Fast, and never alone.
When a patient or a referring clinician tells us thoughts of suicide are part of the picture, we move quickly: an evaluation, usually within one business day, and a plan that includes the people already caring for you. Every treatment is given in our office with our team beside you for at least two hours.
If you're calling for someone you love.
You can call us on their behalf. We'll explain how evaluation works and what they'll need, and we'll talk with them directly as soon as they're ready. If they're in danger now, call 988 or 911 first.
Referring a patient after a crisis.
Call (908) 450-7002 and tell us it's urgent. We'll prioritize the evaluation and the prior authorization, and keep you informed. Refer a patient.
Call us. We'll tell you how quickly we can see you.
Reach a member of our team at (908) 450-7002. If you're in immediate danger, call or text 988, or call 911.
Name, date of birth and insurer. We check your plan and call you back. No commitment.
Check my coverageRegister once, and our team starts your insurance check and reaches out to schedule your evaluation.
Request an evaluationWhat people ask about Spravato and suicidal thoughts.
Is Spravato FDA-approved for suicidal thoughts?
Spravato is approved, with an oral antidepressant, to treat depressive symptoms in adults with major depression who have acute suicidal thoughts or behavior. It hasn't been shown to prevent suicide or reduce suicidal thoughts on its own.
How fast does Spravato work for depression with suicidal thoughts?
In the ASPIRE trials, depressive symptoms improved more than with standard care alone within 24 hours of the first dose.
Does Spravato replace going to the hospital?
No. If a hospital stay is needed, Spravato doesn't replace it, even if someone feels better after a first dose.
Can I start Spravato right after a hospital stay?
Often, yes. Many people start after a hospital stay as part of their follow-up plan. Call us and we'll coordinate with the team that treated you.