Spravato® Side Effects: What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment
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Understanding Spravato Side Effects
The Most Common Spravato Side Effects
Spravato Side Effects Chart
What Happens During Monitoring
Tips for Preparing for Treatment
When to Contact Your Provider
Spravato Treatment at Amazing Grace Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
Understanding Spravato Side Effects
Spravato® (esketamine) is an FDA-approved medication used to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression and certain patients with major depressive disorder experiencing acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Unlike traditional antidepressants that may take weeks to work, Spravato acts through a different pathway in the brain and can begin providing symptom relief much sooner for some patients. Because of this unique mechanism of action, the medication can also produce temporary side effects shortly after each treatment. Fortunately, these effects are well understood, expected, and are the reason every Spravato treatment is administered in a certified healthcare setting under medical supervision. Most side effects develop within the first hour after dosing, improve during the required observation period, and do not continue between treatment sessions.
The Most Common Spravato Side Effects
Most patients experience at least one temporary side effect during treatment, particularly during their first few visits. The most commonly reported symptoms include feeling detached from your surroundings (called dissociation), dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, temporary increases in blood pressure, drowsiness or sedation, headache, an unusual metallic taste in the mouth, and mild nasal discomfort after using the nasal spray. Although these sensations may seem unusual if you’ve never received Spravato before, they are generally short-lived and are carefully monitored by trained staff throughout the appointment. Many patients also report that these side effects become less noticeable as they become accustomed to treatment over time.
Spravato Side Effects
| Side effect | How common | When it happens & how long | How it’s managed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissociation (feeling detached) | Very common | Peaks around 40 minutes and usually eases within about 2 hours | Calm treatment room, breathing exercises, reassurance from staff, and continued monitoring |
| Dizziness or lightheadedness | Common | Usually occurs during the session and may last about 90 minutes | Remain seated or reclined while staff monitor your safety |
| Nausea (sometimes vomiting) | Common | Most likely during the first 1–2 hours | Avoid food for at least 2 hours before treatment; anti-nausea medication may be used when needed |
| Temporary rise in blood pressure | Common | Often peaks around 40 minutes and gradually returns toward baseline | Blood pressure is checked before treatment, during monitoring, and before discharge |
| Drowsiness or sedation | Common | May continue throughout the remainder of the treatment day | Do not drive; arrange transportation home and plan to rest |
| Headache, metallic taste, or nasal irritation | Common | Usually mild and brief | Water, a flavored drink, and other supportive comfort measures |
Most Spravato® side effects occur on the day of treatment rather than building up between sessions. For many patients, these temporary effects become milder as treatment continues.
What Happens During Monitoring
Every Spravato appointment includes a mandatory observation period of at least two hours to ensure your safety while the medication’s temporary effects wear off. Before treatment begins, your healthcare team checks your blood pressure and reviews how you are feeling that day. After you administer the nasal spray under supervision, you’ll relax in a comfortable treatment room while staff periodically assess your blood pressure, alertness, and overall well-being. Many patients choose to listen to calming music, close their eyes, or simply rest while the medication takes effect. Before you leave, your provider confirms that your symptoms have improved and that you are medically ready to return home with your designated driver.
Tips for Preparing for Treatment
A little preparation can make your Spravato treatment more comfortable. Patients are generally advised not to eat for at least two hours before their appointment and to avoid drinking liquids for about thirty minutes beforehand to reduce the chance of nausea. Wearing comfortable clothing, bringing headphones or relaxing music, and planning a quiet afternoon afterward can also improve the experience. Because driving is not permitted until the following day after a restful night’s sleep, it’s important to arrange reliable transportation before arriving for your appointment. Many patients also appreciate bringing a blanket or eye mask to help them relax during the observation period.
When to Contact Your Provider
Although most Spravato side effects resolve before you leave the clinic, you should contact your treatment team if symptoms persist longer than expected, become significantly worse after returning home, or include severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, confusion that does not improve, or any other symptoms that concern you. Your healthcare provider can determine whether additional evaluation is needed and discuss whether any adjustments should be made before future treatments. Maintaining open communication with your treatment team helps ensure that every Spravato session remains both safe and effective.
Spravato Treatment at Amazing Grace Center
Amazing Grace Center provides Spravato treatment in Portsmouth, Ohio, for eligible adults living with treatment-resistant depression. Every patient receives a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation before starting treatment to determine whether Spravato is an appropriate option. During each appointment, experienced medical professionals monitor vital signs, answer questions, and provide supportive care throughout the required observation period. Our goal is to create a calm, comfortable environment where patients can safely receive innovative depression treatment while feeling informed, supported, and cared for every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spravato Side Effects
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Most patients experience at least one temporary side effect, although the severity varies from person to person.
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Dissociation, dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, and temporary increases in blood pressure are among the most frequently reported side effects.
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Most side effects begin shortly after treatment, are most noticeable during the first hour, and improve during the required two-hour observation period.
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No. Because Spravato can affect alertness and coordination, you should not drive until the following day after a full night’s sleep.
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The observation period allows trained medical staff to monitor your blood pressure, alertness, and recovery before you are discharged safely.
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Many patients actually find that side effects become less noticeable as treatment continues and they become more familiar with the medication.
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Yes. Nausea is one of the more common side effects, which is why patients are usually instructed not to eat for two hours before treatment.
Key Takeaways
Spravato side effects are expected, temporary, and closely monitored.
The most common side effects include dissociation, dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, temporary increases in blood pressure, headache, and altered taste.
Every treatment includes at least two hours of medical observation to ensure patient safety.
Most side effects improve within a few hours and often become milder over the course of treatment.
Patients should arrange transportation home and avoid driving until the day after treatment.
Amazing Grace Center provides Spravato treatment in a safe, supportive, and medically supervised environment for eligible patients with treatment-resistant depression.
