A typical Spravato® session follows a structured, medically supervised process designed for safety and effectiveness. The steps in Spravato® treatment begin with a brief check-in, during which vital signs and mental status are reviewed. Patients then self-administer the nasal spray under clinical supervision. After dosing, they remain onsite for at least two hours for monitoring, during which providers assess blood pressure, side effects, and emotional response. Many patients rest quietly or engage in calming activities during this period. Before discharge, clinicians confirm stability and arrange transportation home, as driving is not permitted the same day.
What Should I Expect in the Consultation Process of Ketamine Therapy?
During a ketamine therapy consultation, the process is designed to be thorough, personalized, and clinically appropriate. Patients can generally expect the following components, with most of the consultation focused on assessment and education:
- Initial intake and history review, including current symptoms, psychiatric diagnoses, and prior treatment outcomes
- Discussion of treatment goals, such as symptom reduction, functional improvement, or relief from treatment-resistant depression
- Comprehensive mental health evaluation to determine appropriateness for ketamine therapy
- Medication and medical history review, including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and contraindicated conditions
- Assessment of risk factors, such as dissociation sensitivity, blood pressure concerns, or co-occurring mental health disorders
- Explanation of how ketamine therapy works, including its mechanism of action and how it differs from traditional medications
- Overview of administration methods, session structure, and clinical monitoring protocols
- Discussion of potential benefits and limitations, emphasizing that results vary by individual
- Review of possible side effects, both short-term and long-term
- Safety planning and expectations, including supervision requirements and post-session restrictions
- Integration planning, such as combining ketamine therapy with psychotherapy or ongoing psychiatric care
- Opportunity for questions, allowing patients to address concerns and clarify expectations
- Determination of next steps, including eligibility, scheduling, and treatment planning
The consultation is collaborative rather than transactional, ensuring patients understand whether ketamine therapy aligns with their clinical needs. By the end of the process, individuals should have a clear understanding of risks, benefits, and what informed participation in treatment entails.
What Does the Spravato® Nasal Spray Do During Treatment?
Spravato® nasal spray works during treatment by targeting brain pathways involved in mood regulation that are not fully addressed by traditional antidepressants. Its active ingredient, esketamine, interacts with glutamate receptors in the brain, particularly the NMDA receptor, which plays a role in synaptic communication, learning, and emotional processing. By modulating glutamate activity, Spravato® helps promote neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new connections that support healthier mood patterns.
During a supervised treatment session, Spravato® is self-administered under medical oversight and is rapidly absorbed through the nasal passages. Many patients experience changes in perception, dissociation, or sedation shortly after dosing, which is why on-site monitoring is required. These effects are typically temporary and subside within a few hours.
Over the course of treatment, repeated sessions may lead to reductions in depressive symptoms, particularly for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Spravato® is not a standalone therapy; it is used alongside an oral antidepressant and ongoing clinical care to support sustained symptom improvement and overall mental health stability.
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What Are the Potential Side Effects of Spravato® Aftercare?
Spravato® aftercare focuses on monitoring and managing short-term effects that may occur after a treatment session. While many side effects resolve within hours, some individuals may notice lingering symptoms later the same day or, less commonly, into the following day. Understanding these potential effects helps patients plan appropriately and follow clinical guidance.
Common side effects that may occur during Spravato® aftercare include:
- Fatigue or drowsiness, which is why driving and operating machinery are restricted until the next day
- Mild dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when standing up too quickly
- Headache, which may develop as dissociative effects wear off
- Nausea or reduced appetite, often improving with rest and hydration
- Temporary changes in perception or focus, including feeling “foggy” or slowed
- Elevated blood pressure, which typically stabilizes but is monitored closely during treatment
- Emotional sensitivity, such as mood fluctuations or increased introspection
Less commonly, some individuals may experience anxiety, sleep disruption, or lingering dissociation, which should be reported to the treatment provider. Aftercare instructions typically emphasize rest, avoiding alcohol or sedatives, staying hydrated, and following up with clinicians if symptoms feel intense or prolonged. Proper aftercare supports safety, comfort, and the overall effectiveness of Spravato® treatment within a comprehensive mental health plan.
How Often are Spravato® Treatment Sessions Required?
Spravato® treatment sessions follow a structured schedule designed to maximize symptom relief while maintaining safety and clinical oversight. The frequency of sessions varies by treatment phase and individual response, but all patients begin with an induction period that involves more frequent visits. During this initial phase, sessions are typically scheduled twice per week to help stabilize symptoms and allow clinicians to monitor effectiveness and tolerability.
After the induction phase, many patients transition into a maintenance schedule. Session frequency is often reduced to once per week, and in some cases, once every two weeks, depending on symptom improvement and provider recommendations. These adjustments are made collaboratively, based on ongoing assessments of mood, functioning, and side effects. The steps in Spravato® treatment emphasize gradual spacing of sessions rather than abrupt changes, ensuring continuity of care and sustained benefit.
Spravato® is always administered in a certified medical setting with post-dose monitoring, which also influences scheduling logistics. Because patients cannot drive on treatment days, transportation planning is an important consideration. Long-term treatment plans are individualized, and providers regularly reevaluate whether continued Spravato® sessions are clinically appropriate as part of a broader mental health treatment strategy.
Key Takeaways on Steps in Spravato® Treatment
- Spravato® treatment follows a highly structured, medically supervised process.
Each session includes pre-treatment check-ins, supervised self-administration, mandatory monitoring for at least two hours, and discharge planning to ensure patient safety. - The consultation process is comprehensive and individualized.
Ketamine and Spravato® consultations involve detailed mental health evaluations, medication reviews, risk assessments, education, and collaborative treatment planning to confirm clinical appropriateness. - Spravato® works through a unique neurological mechanism.
By targeting glutamate pathways and promoting neuroplasticity, how Spravato® addresses mood regulation differs from traditional antidepressants, making it an option for treatment-resistant depression. - Aftercare focuses on monitoring temporary side effects and ensuring safety.
Common after-effects include fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, and emotional sensitivity, with clear guidance provided to support recovery and prevent complications. - Treatment frequency is phased and adjusted over time.
Patients typically begin with twice-weekly sessions during induction, then transition to weekly or biweekly maintenance based on response, following the steps in Spravato® treatment and ongoing clinical evaluation.
If you or a loved one is struggling with treatment-resistant depression, Moment of Clarity offers compassionate, evidence-based care guided by experienced clinicians. Our team provides personalized evaluations and medically supervised services to help you understand your options and feel confident in your treatment plan. From your first consultation through ongoing care, we clearly explain the steps in Spravato® treatment so you know what to expect at every stage.
Take the next step toward improved mental health today by contacting Moment of Clarity at 949-625-0564 to schedule a confidential assessment and learn whether Spravato® may be right for you.
Resources
- APNA – Ketamine Infusion Therapy Treatment Considerations
- Spravato® – What Is SPRAVATO®?
- John Hopkins Medicine – Esketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression
