Before starting treatment, many patients ask, what does Spravato treatment feel like? Spravato (esketamine) therapy often produces distinctive sensory and perceptual experiences during and immediately after treatment. Most patients describe feeling dissociated or disconnected from their surroundings within minutes of administration, as if observing themselves from a distance or experiencing a dreamlike state. Some patients at a Spravato clinic for mental health may notice altered perceptions of time, with minutes feeling stretched or compressed, and their environment might seem slightly distorted or unusual. Some people report feeling floaty, lightheaded, or as though they’re viewing the world through a filter.
Physical sensations can include tingling, numbness, dizziness, or a sense of heaviness in your limbs. These effects typically peak within 15–30 minutes and gradually diminish over the two-hour monitoring period required after each dose. Emotionally, the experience varies considerably between individuals and even between sessions. Some patients feel a sense of calm or emotional release, while others may experience anxiety or emotional intensity during the dissociative phase.
Does Spravato Treatment Cause Dissociation?
Yes, dissociation is one of the most common and expected effects of Spravato treatment for depression or other mental health conditions. Dissociation occurs in a significant majority of patients, often reported in 60-75% or more of those receiving the medication. This isn’t an unwanted side effect that clinicians try to eliminate, but rather an anticipated part of how esketamine works in the brain. The dissociative experience is why the medication must be administered in a clinical setting under supervision, and why you’re required to remain at the treatment facility for at least two hours after each dose.
The dissociation from Spravato is typically dose-dependent, meaning higher doses tend to produce more pronounced effects. For most people, these dissociative symptoms are manageable and fade within one to two hours, though some residual fogginess may persist longer. The intensity often decreases over time as your body adjusts to the treatment, and many patients find subsequent sessions less disorienting than their first few doses.
Does Spravato Treatment Create Visual Distortions?
Yes, visual distortions are a commonly reported perceptual effect during Spravato treatment, though they vary significantly in intensity from person to person. Many patients describe subtle changes in how they perceive their visual environment, and colors may appear slightly more vivid or muted, objects might seem to shimmer or have soft edges, and depth perception can feel altered. Some people report that lights seem brighter or have halos around them, or that patterns and textures appear to move or breathe slightly.
- These visual changes are typically mild to moderate rather than dramatic hallucinations.
- Most patients remain aware that what they’re experiencing is a temporary effect of the medication rather than reality.
- The visual distortions usually occur alongside other dissociative symptoms and follow the same timeline, peaking within the first 30 minutes and fading during the two-hour monitoring period.
The intensity of visual effects can depend on several factors, including your dose, individual sensitivity, and even the environment where you’re receiving treatment. Some patients barely notice visual changes, while others find them more pronounced. It’s helpful to receive treatment in a calm, comfortable setting with dim lighting, as bright or busy environments can sometimes intensify these perceptual shifts.
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Does Spravato Treatment Increase Empathy?
The relationship between Spravato and empathy isn’t as clearly established as some of its other effects, though there is emerging interest in how ketamine-based treatments may influence emotional processing and social connection. Some patients report feeling more emotionally open, introspective, or connected during the dissociative phase of treatment, and anecdotal accounts occasionally describe heightened emotional awareness or sensitivity. However, these experiences are highly individual and not universally reported.
The potential for Spravato to influence empathy would likely emerge indirectly through its antidepressant effects over time rather than as an acute response during treatment sessions. Depression itself often diminishes emotional responsiveness, social connection, and the capacity to engage empathetically with others. As patients experience improvement in their depressive symptoms over the course of multiple Spravato sessions, many naturally regain their ability to connect emotionally with others, experience greater emotional range, and engage more fully in relationships.
Does Spravato Treatment Reduce Stress and Increase Relaxation?
Spravato’s effects on stress and relaxation are complex and vary considerably between individuals, with responses differing during acute treatment versus long-term outcomes.
During Treatment Sessions:
- Many patients report feeling physically relaxed or heavy during the dissociative phase, though this is accompanied by altered perception rather than typical relaxation.
- Some people experience reduced mental chatter or temporary relief from anxious thoughts during sessions.
- Others may feel increased anxiety or discomfort during the dissociative state, particularly in early sessions before becoming accustomed to the effects.
- The immediate experience is less about conventional relaxation and more about an altered state of consciousness that can feel calming for some but disorienting for others.
Long-Term Effects:
- As depression improves over multiple sessions, many patients experience reduced overall stress levels and better emotional regulation in daily life.
- Improved mood and decreased depressive symptoms often lead to feeling more capable of managing stressors.
- Some research suggests ketamine-based treatments may help interrupt rumination patterns that contribute to chronic stress.
- Better sleep quality, which often improves with depression treatment, can indirectly enhance feelings of relaxation and stress resilience.
The acute effects during treatment don’t necessarily predict the long-term benefits, and the medication’s ability to reduce stress is primarily tied to its effectiveness in treating underlying depression rather than functioning as a direct relaxation or anti-anxiety agent.
Key Takeaways on What Does Spravato Treatment Feel Like
- Spravato causes dissociative effects in most patients, including feeling disconnected from their surroundings, altered time perception, and sensory changes.
- Many people experience mild to moderate visual distortions during treatment, such as changes in color perception, altered depth perception, or soft edges around objects.
- What patients feel during each treatment session doesn’t necessarily predict how well Spravato will work for your depression.
- The intensity of dissociation and other acute effects often decreases as your body adjusts to treatment.
- Any increases in empathy, stress reduction, or emotional connection are primarily the result of recovering from depression itself rather than the direct effects of the medication.
So, what does Spravato treatment feel like? It’s often described as a unique journey, where patients can expect a range of sensations that may differ from one person to another. During the treatment, many individuals report feelings of relaxation or a deep sense of calm, though some might also experience mild dissociation or altered perceptions. For a more personalized perspective and guidance tailored to your unique situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to Moment of Clarity in Southern California at 949-625-0564.
Resources
- Spravatohcp.com – SPRAVATO® + oral AD is proven to provide rapid and superior improvement in depressive symptoms at Day 281
- National Library of Medicine – Intranasal Esketamine (Spravato®) for Use in Treatment-Resistant Depression In Conjunction With an Oral Antidepressant
- ScienceDirect – Efficacy of Esketamine among patients with treatment-resistant depression in a ‘real world’ healthcare setting in Israel
