Spravato for anxiety

Is Spravato approved for anxiety?

Spravato (esketamine) is not approved for anxiety disorders and insurers exclude it for anxiety alone. Its approved use is treatment-resistant depression, and anxiety symptoms are common in that population. Esketamine trials show that anxious depression responds about as well as non-anxious depression.

See the coverage hub, the Spravato hub, and the coverage checker.

What if anxiety is the main problem?

Generalized anxiety, panic and social anxiety respond to psychotherapy and SSRIs or SNRIs in most people, and the interventional options are not established for them. If you have failed several treatments and also meet depression criteria, Spravato may be appropriate; the authorization is for depression.

What should you expect with Spravato for anxiety?

Dissociation and a brief rise in anxiety during dosing are common and usually settle within an hour. Clinics prepare anxious patients for this and can adjust the environment.

Read Spravato: the complete guide and What to expect at your first Spravato session.

Does insurance cover Spravato for anxiety?

Covered under the depression criteria only. See Spravato coverage, ketamine therapy for anxiety and TMS for anxiety.

See Spravato vs ketamine: which is right for you? for the side-by-side.