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How Long Does SPRAVATO® Stay in Your System
Understanding the timeline, effects, and what to expect before, during, and after SPRAVATO® (esketamine) treatment.
SPRAVATO® (esketamine) nasal spray offers a new, fast-acting approach to treating depression. Many patients have reported relief from their symptoms in as little as 24 hours.1 But how long does SPRAVATO® actually stay in your system?
If you’ve recently started, or are thinking about starting SPRAVATO® treatment, it’s natural to have questions about how the medication works in your body and how long its effects last. This guide covers everything you need to know, including:
- What SPRAVATO® is and how it works
- How long it lasts in your system and why
- Whether it shows up on a drug test
- What to expect during and after each treatment session at Greenbrook
How long does SPRAVATO® stay in your system?
SPRAVATO® has a half-life of approximately 7 to 12 hours. This means it takes 7-12 hours for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. However, complete elimination can take several days based on individual factors.2
Esketamine, the active ingredient in SPRAVATO®, is broken down in the liver. It is then excreted through urine, which further influences how long it remains in the system. The duration of SPRAVATO® in your body can vary based on several factors, including: dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism rates.
Will SPRAVATO® show up on a drug test?
No, SPRAVATO® will not show up on a routine drug test. Employers and other organizations who may require a drug test often use panel tests that can detect amphetamine, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, drug tests specifically for ketamine may be specially ordered.
Since ketamine and esketamine are chemically related, a false-positive urine drug screen may occur. The manufacturer of SPRAVATO® has only reported 2 cases of false-positive tests.3
If you find yourself facing a ketamine drug test and are undergoing SPRAVATO®, talk to your provider for guidance on how to handle the situation.
What to expect during SPRAVATO® treatment
SPRAVATO® can cause side effects that require observation, such as sedation, dissociation, dizziness, nausea, or changes in blood pressure. In a clinic, trained staff and medical professionals can monitor how you’re doing, check vitals upon arrival, 40 minutes in, and before you leave, provide reassurance, and respond if symptoms become uncomfortable or concerning. For your safety, each SPRAVATO® treatment session lasts 2 hours. During your treatment, you can listen to music, practice a hobby, journal, sleep, draw, etc., to help support you through the treatment session.
Greenbrook’s REMS-certified centers also support practical safety steps: helping arrange transportation (because patients should not drive after treatment), ensuring adequate recovery time, and documenting response and side effects.
Why choose Greenbrook for SPRAVATO® treatment?
For many patients, supervised SPRAVATO® offers an FDA-approved treatment in a controlled setting meeting highly regulated safety standards.
If you’re considering SPRAVATO® therapy, Greenbrook Mental Wellness Centers can provide a clinically supervised experience with structured monitoring and support—so you can focus on progress.
Schedule your no-cost consultation with one of our knowledgeable team members.
Sources:
1. Data on file. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
2. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmaceutics Review. NDA 211243 - SPRAVATO (esketamine) - Reference ID: 4398871. 2019- [cited 2025 November 19]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2019/211243Orig1s000ClinPharmR.pdf
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