How to Prepare for Your First Spravato® Appointment — Checklist

If you’re preparing for your first SPRAVATO® session, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of hope, curiosity, and maybe a few nerves. Most people do.

At Hudson Specialty Care Spravato, we aim to make the experience feel calm and predictable. A little preparation goes a long way in helping you settle in and focus on what matters most — your care.

Here’s a simple, practical checklist to help you feel ready.

Before your appointment

First, plan your ride home. 

SPRAVATO® can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or a sense of disorientation, so you won’t be able to drive yourself afterward. Have a friend, family member, or rideshare arranged ahead of time to remove that stress from the equation.

Take a look at your eating and drinking schedule. 

Avoid eating for about two hours before treatment and limit liquids shortly beforehand. That helps reduce the chance of nausea during the session.

Make a list of your medications and supplements. 

Even if you think we already have that information, writing it down ensures nothing gets missed.

Wear something comfortable. 

You sit or recline for a while, so this isn’t the day for stiff or restrictive clothing.

What to bring with you

Once you arrive, your job is mostly to relax. Bringing a few personal items can make that easier.

Many people like to bring headphones, a calming playlist, or a podcast. Others bring a book or a journal. Some prefer simply closing their eyes and resting.

There’s no right or wrong approach here. Do whatever feels comfortable to you.

When you arrive

Your first visit is calm, never rushed. We take time to walk through everything with you. We review your medical history, talk through your symptoms, and make sure SPRAVATO® is the right fit for you.

Before treatment begins, we check your vital signs and answer any last-minute questions. Speak up — nothing is too small to ask. You won’t be left guessing about what comes next.

During your session

SPRAVATO® is a nasal spray, which you use yourself under our supervision. We guide you step by step so you feel comfortable with the process.

After you take the medication, you stay with us for about two hours. During that time, we monitor your blood pressure, how you’re feeling, and your overall response.

Some people feel relaxed. Others feel a little lightheaded or detached. These sensations can feel unfamiliar at first, but they’re expected and typically fade as the medication wears off.

After your appointment

Once the monitoring period is complete, we make sure you’re stable and ready to leave.

Most people feel a bit tired or reflective afterward. It’s a good idea to keep the rest of your day light. Avoid driving, working, or making important decisions until the next day.

This is a time to give your mind and body space.

A quick checklist to keep it simple

If you prefer to see it all in one place, here’s a quick recap before your first visit.

Before you come in, make sure you’ve:

• Arranged a ride home
• Avoided eating for at least two hours beforehand
• Limited fluids shortly before your visit
• Reviewed your medications and health history
• Chosen comfortable clothing

It’s just as important to come in with realistic expectations. This is a process. Some people notice changes early. Others need a few sessions before things begin to shift.

At Hudson Specialty Care Spravato, we’re here to guide you through each part of the process, answer your questions, and make sure you feel supported from the moment you walk in.

If you’re preparing for your first session or considering whether SPRAVATO® is right for you, call Hudson Specialty Care Spravato in New York or New Jersey, or request an appointment online.