In recent years, esketamine nasal spray—commercially known as Spravato®—has emerged as a revolutionary tool in mental health care. Different from traditional antidepressants, which often take weeks to work, esketamine offers rapid relief within hours, making it especially valuable for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and for individuals experiencing acute suicidal ideation

Contemporary Care Centers in Danbury, Connecticut, have become a local pioneer in offering this advanced therapy. With their clinic strategically located at 84 Hospital Ave, they're recognized as Danbury’s premier Spravato® treatment center—part of a broader network including their Greenwich location .

What Is Ketamine Nasal Spray? Spravato® Explained

Spravato® is a FDA‑approved form of esketamine (the S‑enantiomer of ketamine), designed to be administered intranasally under clinical supervision. Unlike IV ketamine, Spravato® delivers doses of 56 mg or 84 mg, self-administered by the patient in a certified clinic setting .

The process typically follows this regimen:

1. Twice weekly dosing for the first four weeks.
2. Then once weekly for the following four weeks.
3. Maintenance dosing shifts to every 1–2 weeks, depending on individual response Due to its psychoactive effects, patients remain onsite for approximately two hours post-administration. During this period, medical staff monitor for side effects such as dissociation, dizziness, elevated blood pressure, or mild nausea. Driving and operating machinery are prohibited for the rest of the day—patients are advised to plan ahead.

Why Choose Contemporary Care in Danbury, CT?

1. Expertise & Innovation

Contemporary Care leads Connecticut—and the wider tri-state area—in ketamine therapy nasal spray. They're the #1 provider in the U.S., guided by clinical director Dr. Tarique Perera, who brings advanced training and REMS-certified protocols.

2. Multidisciplinary Approach

Treatment at Contemporary Care is holistic: esketamine is combined with ongoing oral antidepressants (when indicated), psychotherapy, and options like TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)—another advanced choice for depression. Care plans are team-based and personalized, not one-size-fits-all.

3. Accessibility & Convenience

Located at 84 Hospital Ave in Danbury (with a Greenwich outpost), the clinic operates Monday–Friday (7:30 a–6 p) and Saturdays (9 a–1 p), offering flexibility to fit into busy schedules It accepts most major insurance plans—including Medicare—and also accommodates private-pay or sliding-scale arrangements .

4. Cost-Effectiveness & Insurance Coverage

While IV ketamine sessions can run $500–700 each, Spravato® administered in the clinic is typically covered by most insurances, including Medicare.

Benefits of Esketamine Nasal Spray

Rapid Symptom Relief

Conventional antidepressants can take weeks or months to work. Spravato®, however, may alleviate symptoms within 24 hours, a critical advantage for those at immediate risk

Treatment of TRD & Suicidal Ideation

Approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression—defined as failure to respond to two or more antidepressants—Spravato® also addresses depression compounded by acute suicide risk.

Well-Characterized Safety Profile

Common adverse events include mild dissociation, dizziness, nausea, and transient hypertension, typically resolving within a few hours. Thanks to REMS monitoring, these effects are well understood and carefully mitigated.

The Treatment Journey at Contemporary Care

1. Initial Evaluation
   A comprehensive psychiatric assessment identifies whether Spravato® is appropriate—considering diagnoses, past treatments, and any acute suicidal ideation. Approvals from insurance or Medicare are secured as needed .
2. Treatment Scheduling
   Patients begin with twice‑weekly dosing at the clinic. During each session, medical staff supervise self‑administration and monitor for effects over approximately two hours.
3. Holistic Support
   Alongside nasal spray, patients receive psychotherapy or TMS. The team collaboratively adjusts medication, dosing, and psychological support based on individual progress .
4. Maintenance Planning
   After the initial eight-week phase, many individuals reduce to bi-weekly or monthly dosing, depending on symptom stability and relapse risk .
5. Ongoing Monitoring
   Regular sessions include mental health check-ins, side effect tracking, and treatment optimization to ensure long-term well‑being.

Understanding Alternative Ketamine Options

While in‑office Spravato® is the only FDA-approved intranasal form, some clinics offer compounded ketamine nasal sprays—not FDA regulated—which can vary in dosage and safety. Contemporary care Danbury CT emphasizes the REMS-certified Spravato®, which ensures quality, oversight, and insurance support.

Additionally, off-label IV ketamine infusions remain available and may be appropriate for some patients. Contemporary Care even has anesthesiology staff onsite for infusion-based options.

Safety & Side Effect Profile

Esketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance in the U.S.—its distribution is tightly managed due to potential abuse and dissociative effects.

Common side effects include:

• Dissociation or feelings of detachment
• Dizziness, sedation, nausea
• Transient hypertension
• Mild hallucinations or sensory alterations

More serious risks—such as respiratory suppression or bladder inflammation—are rare at clinical doses and monitored onsite. The REMS program mandates a mandatory two-hour observation window and healthcare provider supervision, ensuring patient safety .

FDA Updates: Es­ketamine as Standalone Treatment

Crucially, in January 2025, the FDA expanded its approval of Spravato®—now allowing its use without concurrent oral antidepressants, making it a standalone therapy for TRD. This development broadens access and flexibility for many patients—especially those who cannot tolerate or prefer to avoid daily antidepressants.

Why Danbury, CT Patients Should Consider This Therapy

• Local Access: No need to travel far—Danbury residents have a top-tier option close at hand.
• Fast Relief: Rapid mood improvement minimizes disruption to school, work, or family responsibilities.
• Comprehensive Care: Beyond esketamine, patients benefit from a team-led, multimodal therapy system in a modern, comfortable environment.
• Insurance Support: Coverage by major insurers and Medicare makes treatment financially realistic.
• Stronger Safety Net: Certified REMS supervision ensures treatment is administered responsibly with minimal risk.

Final Thoughts

With its rapid onset, solid safety protocols, and FDA-backed approval, Spravato® esketamine nasal spray has made significant strides in revolutionizing depression care—particularly for those who have not found relief through conventional means.

Contemporary Care in Danbury, CT stands at the forefront, delivering this transformative therapy with a patient-first approach, guided by expert providers like Dr. Tarique Perera. Whether you're struggling with treatment-resistant depression, worsening suicidal thoughts, or seeking a faster therapeutic alternative, Spravato® might be the lifeline you've been searching for.

If you're ready to explore whether nasal ketamine therapy is right for you—or a loved one—contact Contemporary Care at (203) 792‑0400 or visit their clinic at 84 Hospital Ave, Danbury, CT to begin the journey toward healing and hope.