Can This Nasal Spray Help With Your Depression?

I’ll just say it: Depression fucking sucks. Whether it manifests as crying into your iced coffee at 10 a.m., not being able to get into the shower even though you feel absolutely gross, or just going through every day feeling just “out of it,” it can feel like a full-time job trying to manage it. And if you’re someone who’s basically tried everything, dealing with depression can feel hopeless. But a new nasal spray might just be the extra help you need.

The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved Johnson & Johnson’s nasal spray making it the first-ever stand-alone therapy for treatment-resistant depression — meaning those who’ve tried at least two antidepressants with zero success. The spray Spravato has been around since 2019, but it just got an upgrade so you can now use it without pairing it with traditional antidepressants. So, if popping pills isn’t working for you (and let’s be real, the side effects of some antidepressants are no joke), this might be an alternative to discuss with your provider.

I know what you’re thinking: How TF is a nasal spray going to help my depression? Here’s how it works.

How Does The Nasal Spray Work?

Spravato isn’t just a fancy name slapped onto a nasal spray — it’s actually related to ketamine, a common anesthetic known for its hallucinogenic effects. You might be a little weary hearing “ketamine” but this medication is designed to hit your brain fast. Unlike traditional antidepressants that take weeks to kick in, Spravato can start making you feel better within 24 hours — so it’s basically the express lane of mental health treatments.

Spravato activates your brain’s neural networks in a way oral antidepressants can’t, giving you rapid symptom relief and even potentially long-lasting benefits. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows — there are some risks, like potential sedation, dissociation, and even respiratory issues. That’s why you can’t just pick it up at CVS. It’s only available in certified clinics, where you’ll be monitored for two hours post-spray.

How Do I Get The Nasal Spray?

If you’re ready to give Spravato a shot (or, more accurately, a sniff), you’ll need to visit a certified healthcare provider. This isn’t a prescription you can fill at your local pharmacy — it’s administered in a clinic under strict supervision. So yes, it’s a bit of a commitment.

Each session can cost around $600 to $900, and you’ll likely need multiple sessions. That said, insurance might cover part of the cost, especially if you’ve already tried other treatments without success. (Pro tip: check with your provider before committing.)

While it’s not exactly cheap, Spravato could be a game-changer if you’ve been struggling with depression and nothing else has worked. So, if your current treatment plan has you feeling like you’re treading water, this nasal spray might just be the lifeboat you need.