Before beginning your first Spravato® treatment, you may be apprehensive and wondering, what does Spravato® treatment feel like? The medication will be administered as a nasal spray under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional in a certified healthcare facility. You will be asked to blow your nose before you take the first spray of Spravato to ensure proper medication absorption. The treatment process of ketamine therapy involves self-administering the nasal spray devices provided by your healthcare professional, typically starting with a lower dose that may be adjusted based on your response.
The effects of ketamine-assisted therapy for mental health using Spravato® typically begin within minutes of administration, and you should expect to experience some notable side effects during your first treatment. For most people, Spravato treatments cause sleepiness and a deep sense of relaxation. It’s also common to feel dissociated, or disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, your feelings, or space and time.
The most dramatic are hallucinations and feeling disconnected from yourself or reality. However, the side effects tend to peak at 40 minutes and wear off within two hours of treatment. During the mandatory monitoring period, healthcare providers will assess your vital signs and overall condition to ensure you’re clinically stable before allowing you to leave the facility. You will need someone to drive you home, as you won’t be able to drive for the remainder of the treatment day.
What Is Spravato® Treatment?
Spravato® (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray medication that represents a breakthrough treatment for depression, particularly for patients who haven’t responded to traditional antidepressants. It marks the first standalone treatment for adults who haven’t responded to at least two oral antidepressants. Spravato® is derived from ketamine and works differently from conventional antidepressants by targeting the NMDA receptors in the brain rather than the typical serotonin pathways.
What makes Spravato® particularly notable is its rapid onset of action compared to traditional antidepressants. Spravato® is now available as a standalone treatment, meaning patients may experience improvements in depressive symptoms as early as 24 hours and at 28 days, without the need for daily oral antidepressants.
The ketamine-assisted therapy for mental health must be administered in certified healthcare facilities under direct medical supervision due to its potential side effects and the need for patient monitoring. This innovative medication has been backed by extensive research that reinforces the safety and efficacy of Spravato®.
How Should I Prepare Before My First Spravato® Treatment Appointment?
Preparing for your first Spravato® treatment appointment involves several important steps to ensure the best possible outcome and your safety. Most critically, you’ll need to follow specific fasting guidelines on the day of treatment, which include not eating for at least 2 hours and not drinking for at least 30 minutes before using this medicine. This fasting requirement is essential for consistent medication absorption and to reduce the risk of nausea during treatment.
Other steps for preparing for ketamine therapy in Southern California include:
- Arrange for transportation, as patients should refrain from engaging in potentially hazardous activities, such as driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery, until the next day after a restful sleep.
- Ask your provider questions and explore educational resources to gain a clearer understanding of the treatment process.
- Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, can help calm your mind before your appointment.
- Consider bringing comfort items, such as a blanket or headphones, to help you stay comfortable during the monitoring period.
- Don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns or current medications with your healthcare provider before the treatment begins.
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How Is Spravato® Administered During Treatment?
Spravato® is administered as a self-administered nasal spray under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional in a certified medical facility. It is intended for administration by the patient under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional, using two devices for a 56 mg dose or three devices for an 84 mg dose, with a five-minute rest between the use of each device to allow the medication to be absorbed. The process begins with proper preparation:
- Blow your nose before using the device.
- Your doctor will instruct you on the correct dose to take.
- They’ll check the device before you use it.
- The nasal spray device delivers a total of 28 mg of esketamine.
The actual administration technique involves a specific step-by-step process to ensure proper medication delivery and absorption. Close the other nostril, then firmly press the plunger all the way up as you slowly breathe through your nose. Sniff gently after spraying. Repeat the steps for the other nostril.
The treatment follows a structured schedule, with Spravato treatment typically administered twice a week initially, and then once every one to two weeks. Throughout the entire process, healthcare professionals closely monitor patients to ensure safety and proper administration technique, making this a collaborative approach between the patient and the medical team.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Spravato® Treatment?
The most common side effects of Spravato® treatment are typically experienced during and shortly after administration, with most resolving within a few hours. The most commonly reported side effects include:
- Dissociation
- Sedation
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Anxiety,
- Feeling drunk
Most side effects are temporary and manageable, though they require careful monitoring during treatment. Most side effects of Spravato include dizziness, sedation, or nausea. They typically last one to two hours after administration. In some cases, mild effects, such as fatigue or altered taste, may persist for up to 24 hours. Healthcare providers monitor patients for at least two hours after each treatment, specifically to ensure these side effects resolve safely before patients leave the facility.
What does Spravato® Treatment Feel Like? Key Takeaways
- Spravato® is a breakthrough nasal spray medication for treatment-resistant depression that works differently from traditional antidepressants by targeting NMDA receptors rather than serotonin pathways.
- Treatment requires strict medical supervision and facility-based administration due to safety considerations.
- Proper preparation is essential for treatment success, including following specific fasting guidelines where patients refrain from eating for at least two hours and from drinking for at least 30 minutes before using this medicine.
- The administration process involves self-administering a nasal spray with careful technique and timing.
- Common side effects are typically temporary but can be significant, including dissociation, sedation, nausea, and dizziness.
So, what does Spravato® treatment feel like? If you’re wondering what the experience is really like, you’re not alone. Many patients have unique feelings and sensations during their sessions. To gain a deeper understanding of what to expect, including the emotional and physical responses that others have encountered, contact Moment of Clarity at 949-625-0564. Our Southern California outpatient treatment centers for mental health offer ketamine-assisted therapy and can provide you with detailed insights into the treatment process, insurance coverage, and benefits of this emerging treatment option for mental health.
External Sources
- Johns Hopkins Medicine –Esketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression
- Drugs.com –Spravato
- Johnson & Johnson –SPRAVATO® (esketamine) approved in the U.S. as the first and only monotherapy for adults with treatment-resistant depression
