Spravato with ADHD, autism or chronic pain: the depression is what qualifies you.
Spravato isn't approved to treat ADHD, autism or chronic pain. But depression often comes alongside them, and if your depression hasn't responded to at least two antidepressants, that's exactly what Spravato is for. Having ADHD, being autistic or living with chronic pain doesn't stand in the way; it's part of the person we plan treatment around.
Can you take Spravato if you have ADHD, autism or chronic pain?
Yes. If you have treatment-resistant depression, you can be treated with Spravato alongside ADHD, autism or chronic pain. Spravato treats the depression; it isn't a treatment for the other condition.
| If you have | What Spravato does | What we plan for |
|---|---|---|
| ADHD | Treats treatment-resistant depression alongside it | Stimulants like Adderall can add to Spravato's temporary blood pressure rise, so we check blood pressure closely and plan timing on treatment days. |
| Autism | Treats treatment-resistant depression alongside it | A predictable visit: the same steps every time, a quiet space, headphones and eye masks, and a Sherpa who explains each step ahead of time. |
| Chronic pain | Treats treatment-resistant depression alongside it | Pain medicines such as opioids can add to sedation, so we review doses and timing with you and your other doctors. |
Interactions from the SPRAVATO® (esketamine) Prescribing Information. Spravato is not approved to treat ADHD, autism or pain.
A different system from the antidepressants you've tried.
Spravato works on glutamate signalling, unlike the serotonin and norepinephrine medicines most people have already tried. When depression hasn't lifted after two or more of those, that history is what qualifies you.
Does Spravato help with chronic pain?
Spravato hasn't been shown to treat chronic pain and isn't approved for it, so we don't offer it as a pain treatment. Many people living with pain also have depression, though, and treating the depression can change how pain weighs on daily life.
Making the visit work for you.
If bright light, noise or unexpected changes are hard for you, tell us. We can dim the room, keep the routine identical each visit, and let you bring what helps, from your own headphones to a familiar playlist. Music for your session.
Do you have to stop your ADHD medication for Spravato?
Usually not. The label asks us to watch blood pressure closely when Spravato is used with stimulants such as amphetamines, methylphenidate or modafinil (Spravato Prescribing Information). In practice that means a blood pressure check before every dose and a plan for when you take your stimulant on treatment days. Any change to your ADHD medicine is made with the doctor who prescribes it.
What will we ask about?
- Your depression, and every antidepressant you've tried. This is what qualifies you.
- Every medicine you take, including stimulants and pain medicines, with doses and times.
- What makes a visit easier or harder for you: light, noise, waiting, being touched for blood pressure checks.
- Who else is involved in your care, so we can work alongside them.
Check if you qualify in two minutes.
Answer a few questions about your depression and what you've tried. We'll plan around everything else at your evaluation.
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 with other conditions.
Is Spravato approved for ADHD?
No. But people with ADHD who also have treatment-resistant depression can be treated with Spravato for the depression.
Can autistic adults take Spravato?
Yes, if they have treatment-resistant depression. Spravato treats the depression, and we adapt the visit to what's comfortable for you.
Can I keep taking Adderall with Spravato?
Often yes, with care, because stimulants add to Spravato's temporary blood pressure rise. Spravato and other medications.
Can Spravato help with fibromyalgia or migraine?
Spravato isn't approved for fibromyalgia, migraine or other pain conditions. If you also have treatment-resistant depression, we can treat the depression.
Can I bring someone with me to sessions?
Many people bring someone to drive them home, and if having a familiar person nearby helps, tell us and we'll plan for it.
Is Spravato used for pain?
No, it isn't approved for pain. It's used for treatment-resistant depression, which often comes alongside chronic pain.