What to Expect During Your First Spravato® Treatment

At Hudson Specialty Care Spravato, we see many patients who’ve tried multiple antidepressants without the hoped-for relief. SPRAVATO®, an esketamine nasal spray, offers help for adults with treatment-resistant depression when other medications haven’t worked.

Because SPRAVATO® can temporarily affect perception, thinking, and blood pressure, it’s understandable if you’re a little nervous. Getting acquainted with the process ahead of time can ease anxiety and help you feel more in control.

How to prepare before your first visit

A little preparation goes a long way toward making your first treatment smooth and comfortable. Before you come in, we review your medical history and current medications and confirm that SPRAVATO® is appropriate for you.

We typically recommend that you:

Arrange a trusted driver to take you home
Avoid eating for about two hours before your dose
Avoid drinking liquids for about 30 minutes before treatment
Wear comfortable clothing you can relax in

It may also help to bring something soothing, such as music and headphones, a light sweater, or a blanket. Once you arrive, our team checks your vital signs, answers questions, and walks you through each step so you know what to expect.

How you take your first dose of SPRAVATO®

You self-administer SPRAVATO® in our office using a nasal spray device, but you’re never on your own. Our trained clinician guides you through the process and stays nearby the entire time.

A typical first session includes:

Settling into a comfortable treatment chair or recliner
Reviewing instructions on how to use the nasal spray
Self-administering the spray under our expert staff supervision
Remaining in the clinic for at least two hours afterward

During this time, we monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing, and how you feel. After getting a ride home, plan to rest for the remainder of the day.

How it may feel during and after treatment

People describe the experience in different ways. Some feel mildly detached or dreamy, while others notice changes in how they perceive time and space. These temporary effects are expected and usually fade within a couple of hours.

Common sensations during SPRAVATO® administration can include:

Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
Having a sense of floating or detachment
Experiencing mild nausea or queasiness
Feeling drowsy or pleasantly sleepy

We talk with you throughout the visit and check in regularly to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible. If anything feels too intense, tell us so we can help you through it.

What your care team watches for

Your safety is our top priority. During and after your SPRAVATO® dose, we keep a close eye on how your body responds. This required monitoring is a key reason that only certified clinics can administer SPRAVATO®.

Throughout your SPRAVATO® session, we:

Check your blood pressure and pulse several times
Watch for excessive sedation or confusion
Ask how you feel physically and emotionally
Make sure your symptoms improve before you leave

If any concerning effects appear, we’re on-site and ready to respond.

Possible side effects

Most side effects are short-lived and improve within a few hours, but it’s important to know what can happen to avoid surprises.

Common after-session side effects associated with SPRAVATO® include:

Dizziness or a spinning sensation
Feeling disconnected or “out of it”
Nausea or vomiting
Increased blood pressure for a short time
Feeling tired or sedated

Serious side effects are rare, but contact us or seek urgent care if you experience chest pain, trouble breathing, severe mood changes, or anything that feels alarming once you’re home. We review all safety instructions with you before you leave the clinic.

What happens after your first treatment

Don’t drive, operate machinery, work with important documents, or make major decisions until the day after your treatment.

You may notice subtle mood shifts after the first few sessions, though full benefit often builds over several weeks. Most patients start with twice-weekly treatments, then transition to weekly or biweekly maintenance based on response.

To learn whether SPRAVATO® is right for you, call Hudson Specialty Care Spravato in Cliffside Park, Edison, or Elizabeth, New Jersey, or in Brooklyn or Manhattan, New York. You can also request a consultation online.