If you or a loved one is considering SPRAVATO® (esketamine) as part of a depression treatment plan, it helps to understand exactly what the experience involves before your first session. SPRAVATO® is not taken at home like a traditional prescription. Instead, administration and monitoring for SPRAVATO® take place in a certified healthcare setting, which is something our office is equipped and staffed to provide.
This in-office requirement exists because SPRAVATO® can cause temporary side effects that need to be observed by a medical professional. Knowing what the process looks like can help you feel more prepared and confident heading into treatment.
SPRAVATO® is a self-administered esketamine nasal spray, meaning you use the device yourself under the direct supervision of our clinical staff. Each session involves one or two devices, depending on your prescribed dose. The medication is delivered in intervals during the session, and our team will guide you through the process.
Sessions are typically scheduled twice a week during the initial induction phase, which generally lasts four weeks. After that, the frequency decreases as you move into maintenance dosing. Your psychiatrist will determine the schedule that is most appropriate for your individual treatment needs.
After administering SPRAVATO®, you will remain in our office for a monitoring period of at least two hours. During this time, our staff will check your blood pressure and observe you for any side effects, which can include dizziness, nausea, or dissociative symptoms. These effects are typically temporary and resolve before you leave.
Transportation planning is an important part of preparing for each SPRAVATO® session, as you will need a driver to take you home once your monitoring period is complete. You should plan not to drive or operate heavy machinery for the remainder of the day following treatment.
Understanding administration and monitoring for SPRAVATO® is an important step in deciding whether this treatment is right for you. Our psychiatric team is here to answer your questions, review your history, and help you move forward with confidence. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how SPRAVATO® treatment works.