SPRAVATO® (esketamine) therapy
Receive innovative depression treatment in South Portland, ME at CoRecover with SPRAVATO® (esketamine), an FDA-approved nasal spray treatment designed for individuals struggling with depression that has not improved with traditional medications.
Administered in a medically supervised setting, SPRAVATO works differently from standard antidepressants by targeting glutamate pathways in the brain that support mood regulation and neural connectivity.
Benefits of SPRAVATO® (Esketamine Therapy)
SPRAVATO® is simple to use is a simple, clinician-supervised nasal spray treatment that offers a promising alternative for individuals who have not experienced true, long-term relief from traditional depression therapies.
Self-Administered Medication
SPRAVATO® is a nasal spray that patients can administer themselves under the supervision of our CoRecover staff. You'll receive 2-3 spaced out doses and be closely monitored for 2 hours to check for any symptoms of side effects.
Rapid Symptom Relief
You'll start to feel the effects of the medication quickly, usually within the first hour of administration.
Long-Lasting Effects
With continued treatments, you can experience symptom relief benefits that last anywhere from days to weeks.
How Do I Know if SPRAVATO® is Right For Me?
If you’ve tried traditional antidepressants without meaningful relief, SPRAVATO® (esketamine) may be an option worth exploring. This treatment is typically recommended for adults with treatment-resistant depression, meaning symptoms have not improved after trying standard medications. At CoRecover, the process begins with a comprehensive evaluation, where experienced clinicians review your medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals to determine whether this innovative therapy fits into your personalized care plan. By combining advanced treatment options with individualized support, the team works with you to identify the approach that best supports your mental health and recovery journey.
meet our providers
At CoRecover, our experienced clinical team provides specialized support for individuals exploring SPRAVATO® (esketamine) treatment for depression that has not responded to traditional therapies. Our providers are committed to delivering personalized care, carefully guiding each patient through treatment in a safe, medically supervised setting. Through a compassionate and structured approach, we help individuals in the Portland area access innovative therapies designed to support meaningful progress in their mental health journey.
frequently asked questions
1
How is SPRAVATO® (esketamine) different from Ketamine?
Ketamine infusions use something called Racemic ketamine. It is a mixture of two mirror-image molecules: "R" and "S" ketamine. While it was approved decades ago as an anesthetic by the FDA, it is used off-label (not FDA approved) to treat depression.
SPRAVATO® is the brand name for the drug esketamine.
Esketamine is derived from ketamine by isolating only the "S" form of the molecule. It is more potent than racemic ketamine, can be given at lower doses, and can be administered through a nasal spray. It is absorbed rapidly and takes effect quickly. No needles or intravenous catheters are needed.
Esketamine is the ONLY FDA approved form of Ketamine for treatment of depression. This
means it had to pass rigorous tests of safety and effectiveness and demonstrate real results.
There is a safety program called “REMS” that we must use when treating patients with Spravato for depression, assuring that any risks to you are minimized.
2
How does esketamine work to treat depression?
Esketamine is different from all of the antidepressants we have had up to this point. All
antidepressants including SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, MAOI, and others, work on monoamine
neurotransmitters including serotonin, norepinephrine, and.or dopamine, in some
combination. Esketamine is very different because it blocks NMDA receptors, increasing levels of glutamate and activating AMPA receptors in the brain. These neurotransmitters appear to help the brain generate new pathways and connections. We think this is how esketamine helps mood and also why patients often tell us they feel like they have a “new perspective on things” after treatment.
3
What are the potential side effects?
The most common side effects of esketamine are Drowsiness, Increased blood pressure, and Dissociation. Less common are nausea, dizziness, and headache. The side effects tend to peak at 40 minutes and wear off within two hours of treatment. You can expect the most intense side effects during the first two treatment sessions. There are other, less common side effects. For a complete list of possible side effects, click here.
4
How many treatments will I need?
We recommend that you begin with two treatments per week for four weeks. After that we
reassess things and make a decision together about how to proceed. Some patients will step
down to one treatment a week for another 4 weeks, then to every other week. After the initial
4 weeks (8 treatments) each case is individual and your treatment plan will be decided together with your doctor.
5
Will I have privacy during treatment?
We have designed our state-of-the-art treatment center to make your experience comfortable and private. You will be in a private “pod” with a comfortable recliner, and dimmable lighting.
Our experienced clinical staff will make you as comfortable as possible and will monitor you
along with the doctor on site throughout your treatment.
6
Can I take esketamine on my own?
Esketamine (SPRAVATO®) is administered in our treatment center under medical supervision. You receive 2 or 3 doses of the medication spaced about 5 minutes apart and then you remain under doctor supervision for 2 hours until any potential side effects have passed. During this time we will monitor your blood pressure and monitor you for any signs of side effects. For safety reasons, you do not take the medication home and self-administer it. We do not recommend or support the use of at home ketamine (such as lozenges or any other form) as the safety and effectiveness of these methods have not been studied and there are serious potential risks.
spravato informational videos
patient story videos
Nicole's Story
Allison's Story
Suboxone, Adderall, ADD, ADHD, Perscriber, Prescriber, Majne, Carol Poirer, CCIV, Chris Bowden, Chris Coro, Christopher Zak, Corecovery, Crobo LLC, Bishop Health, LifeStance, Dora Sligar SO PTLD, ME, Dr Fernando Barrera Maine, Dr. Duvral Psychiatry Portland ME, Dr. Robert Vinton McCarley Psych Maine, Dylan Romhoff South Portland Maine, Eric Dubuc South Portland Maine, Intermed 100 Foden Road South Portland Psychiatry, Kory Kashuba Maine, Kory Kashuba Portland ME, Mainecare, Strattera
