Step‑by‑Step: What Happens During a SPRAVATO® Treatment Session?

Trying something new for your mental health can bring a mix of emotions. If you’re about to start SPRAVATO®, we hope that hope tops that list, but we also know you likely have questions and concerns.

What will it feel like? What actually happens during the appointment? Will I know what to do?

At Hudson Specialty Care Spravato, with locations in New Jersey and New York City, we don’t expect you to walk in knowing the answers already. We walk you through it step by step so nothing feels uncertain or rushed.

Here’s what your treatment day looks like.

Step 1 — You arrive and get settled

When you arrive, we take a few minutes to help you ease in. We check your blood pressure and review how you’re feeling that day. SPRAVATO® can temporarily raise blood pressure, so that’s an important starting point.

You also have time to ask questions. We want you to feel fully informed and completely comfortable before we begin.

Step 2 — We confirm your plan and prepare

Before you take SPRAVATO®, we confirm your dose and where you are in your treatment schedule.

SPRAVATO® is for treatment-resistant depression and certain cases of major depressive disorder. It’s always administered in a certified medical setting as part of a safety program called REMS, which ensures close monitoring during and after each session.

Nothing here is guesswork. Everything is intentional.

Step 3 — You self-administer the nasal spray

That’s the part most people are curious about. SPRAVATO® is a nasal spray you administer yourself, with our guidance. Each device contains two sprays — one for each nostril.

We walk you through it:

Gently blow your nose before starting
Tilt your head back slightly — about 45 degrees
Insert the device and spray while breathing in gently
Repeat on the other side

After each device, you rest for about five minutes in a comfortable, semi-reclined position to help you absorb the medication properly. Try not to blow your nose afterward. If there’s dripping, dab gently with a tissue.

We stay with you the entire time.

Step 4 — You rest while we monitor you

Once your full dose is complete, the pace shifts.

You relax in a comfortable space for at least two hours while we monitor you. That includes checking your blood pressure and oxygen levels to ensure you’re responding well.

That's the quiet, restful part of the experience. You might feel:

Relaxed or sleepy
Lightheaded
Slightly disconnected from your surroundings

That disconnected feeling — called dissociation — is one of the more unique effects of SPRAVATO®. It can feel unfamiliar at first, but it’s expected and typically fades during the observation period.

Some people listen to music. Some close their eyes. Some sit quietly. There’s no right way to experience this part.

Step 5 — We make sure you’re ready to leave

Before you head home, we make sure you’re stable and feeling grounded. Because SPRAVATO® affects alertness, you need a ride home. You shouldn’t drive, work, or do anything that requires full focus until the next day, after a restful night’s sleep.

Most people feel a little tired afterward. That’s normal. Plan for a slower day. Give yourself room to rest.

A simple checklist before your visit

Before your appointment:

Arrange a ride home
Avoid food for at least two hours beforehand
Avoid liquids for at least 30 minutes beforehand
Take nasal medications at least one hour before, if applicable
Wear comfortable clothing
Keep the rest of your day light

To learn more about SPRAVATO® and what to expect from treatment, call the Hudson Specialty Care Spravato location near you today or request an appointment online.