As you prepare for your first Spravato (esketamine) treatment, you may be filled with equal parts hope and apprehension. After all, this may not be a treatment that anyone you know personally has undergone. Rest assured that more than 100,000 patients have already used this FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression after unsuccessful treatments with two or more antidepressants.
Feeling prepared can help you to have a positive treatment experience. Keep reading to discover what to expect from your first Spravato treatment.
What to Expect When You Arrive at Your First Spravato Appointment
Spravato is a gentle, noninvasive nasal spray designed to provide quick relief for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression. Unlike over-the-counter herbs and supplements, Spravato is designed to be administered under the close supervision of a qualified healthcare professional in a clinic.
On the day of your appointment, you will need to arrange for transportation to and from the clinic to ensure your safety. Once you arrive, our staff will sign you in and make an assessment. Your treatment will involve supervised administration in a private room within the clinic. A dedicated team of care providers will monitor your status at all times.
It is standard to check blood pressure before administering Spravato because the medication can elevate blood pressure for several hours after a dose is taken. However, studies investigating potential cardiovascular risks show that this temporary blood pressure elevation is short-lived and not associated with more severe symptoms. Your vital signs will be checked before and after treatment to ensure your safety.
Preparing for Your Spravato Appointment
Your care provider will provide you with pre-appointment instructions. Review them closely. Here are some general guidelines for making the most of your experience:
- Patients must fast for at least two hours before their appointments to reduce the odds of experiencing nausea and vomiting during sessions.
- While it’s important to stay hydrated, it’s recommended that you cut off liquids at least 30 minutes before your appointment.
- Wear comfortable clothing to help you remain relaxed and comfortable during treatment. Consider bringing a blanket, neck pillow, warm slippers, or similar items to increase your comfort.
- Some patients bring books, magazines, puzzles, or knitting fabrics to stay engaged during their treatments.
- Blowing your nose before your Spravato dose is helpful because a clean nasal passage ensures the medication has a chance to fully enter. However, you should not blow your nose immediately following treatment or between doses within the same session.
- Finally, your care provider will ask you to disclose any medications or supplements you’re currently taking. Write a list ahead of time to ensure you don’t forget to include anything while you’re anxious or excited about your appointment.
- If you’d like to bring a support person along, speak with your provider ahead of time regarding the clinic’s guest policy.
Remember that it’s OK to ask questions or share concerns at any point during your treatment session. If you have questions about whether the sensations, feelings, or visions you’re experiencing are considered “normal” side effects of Spravato, your provider will be happy to provide answers and support.
The Feeling of Taking Spravato: What Is Considered Normal?
Generally, patients begin to feel the therapeutic effects of Spravato within minutes of administration. However, effects will ebb and flow throughout the session. For most patients, Spravato creates a calm, dream-like, dissociative state that allows them to unwind from feelings of stress, distress, and depression. Many report the feeling of entering a deeply introspective and clear state of mind. In order to make the most of this experience, patients are advised to remain still, quiet, and undistracted as they cycle through. Focusing on a specific intention or practicing intentional breathing as Spravato takes effect often helps patients to enter “breakthrough” states that leave them feeling relaxed, joyful, and satisfied.
Will I Remain Awake Throughout My Spravato Session?
Spravato treatments are conducted with the patient fully awake and alert with no need for pretreatment sedation. However, some patients may feel sleepy or doze off during treatment. This is because Spravato produces a relaxed and euphoric state that helps alleviate symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. Any feelings of extreme tiredness should resolve during the in-clinic recovery period.
How Long Is a Spravato Treatment Appointment?
In general, a Spravato appointment lasts around two hours. Your care team will monitor your blood pressure, pulse, and cognitive state following treatment to ensure that it’s safe to go home. It is very important that you have a ride home following your appointment because Spravato patients must not drive vehicles or operate heavy machinery for the rest of the day. If possible, block off the remainder of the day following your appointment. It’s also important to do your best to have a full, restful night of sleep the night following your appointment.
Scheduling Future Spravato Appointments
The duration of Spravato treatment varies by person based on individual needs. Your provider will tailor your appointment schedule based on the severity of your depression and your response to your initial treatment. Most treatment plans include an initial phase consisting of two weekly treatments for a month. After that, frequency is typically reduced to once a week for the next four to eight weeks. Finally, patients enter a maintenance phase with appointments occurring once every three to five weeks.
Starting Your Spravato Journey
If you’re suffering from treatment-resistant depression — defined as being treated unsuccessfully with two different antidepressants — Spravato may be the FDA-treatment that is appropriate for you. Oasis Mental Health Centers specializes in advanced depression treatments. Contact us today to learn more about Spravato.
Sources:
http://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7048867/
https://www.spravato.com/patient-education/
https://www.sciencealert.com/fda-approved-nasal-spray-for-depression-is-first-of-its-kind
