Managing Spravato Side Effects: Tips for a More Comfortable Session

Spravato can provide an important treatment option for adults with certain forms of depression, particularly treatment-resistant depression. Like any medication, it can also cause side effects. Knowing what you may experience and understanding how your care team monitors you can make treatment sessions feel more predictable and comfortable.

Spravato is administered under medical supervision, so patients can receive appropriate support if side effects occur.

What Side Effects Can Occur With Spravato?

The effects of Spravato vary between individuals. Some people experience temporary sensations during or shortly after administration, while others may notice few effects.

Commonly reported side effects include:

• Dissociation or feeling disconnected from your surroundings
• Dizziness or a spinning sensation
• Sedation or sleepiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Increased blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Reduced sensitivity or unusual sensations
• Feeling tired or intoxicated
• Headache

These effects can be temporary, and the clinical team monitors patients during the required observation period.

Why Does Spravato Cause Dissociation or Dizziness?

Spravato contains esketamine, which affects the brain’s glutamate system by interacting with NMDA receptors. This different mechanism of action may contribute to temporary changes in perception, awareness, and sensation.

Dissociation can feel unusual and may include a sense of detachment from yourself or your surroundings. Dizziness or vertigo can also occur. Knowing these sensations are recognized potential effects can help prevent them from becoming unexpectedly alarming.

If you experience significant discomfort, tell your healthcare provider rather than trying to manage the symptoms on your own.

How Can You Prepare for a More Comfortable Session?

Preparation can make the treatment experience easier. Follow your provider’s instructions about eating, drinking, and medications before your appointment. The FDA prescribing information recommends avoiding food for at least two hours and liquids for at least 30 minutes before Spravato administration because nausea and vomiting can occur.

Choose comfortable clothing and consider bringing something relaxing to listen to if permitted by your treatment setting. Most importantly, plan transportation ahead of time because you should not drive yourself after Spravato treatment.

How Are Side Effects Monitored During Treatment?

Spravato is administered in a certified healthcare setting under direct supervision. Patients are monitored for at least two hours after administration because sedation, dissociation, changes in blood pressure, and respiratory effects can occur. 

Blood pressure is assessed before treatment and monitored afterward. Respiratory status is also monitored, including pulse oximetry. Before leaving, the healthcare provider assesses whether you are clinically stable enough to be discharged.

Our Team can monitor your response throughout the session and discuss any side effects you experience. Sharing your symptoms honestly can help the clinical team determine whether additional observation or other appropriate care is needed.

What Should You Do After a Spravato Session?

Give yourself time to recover after treatment. Spravato can temporarily impair attention, judgment, thinking, and coordination. The FDA advises patients not to drive or operate machinery until the following day after a restful sleep.

Arrange a responsible ride home before your appointment and avoid planning activities that require full alertness immediately afterward.

Dr. Michael Vines and the clinical team can discuss your treatment response and help you understand what sensations may occur during the observation period.

Conclusion

Spravato side effects can include dissociation, dizziness, sedation, nausea, increased blood pressure, and other temporary effects. Preparation, supervised administration, appropriate monitoring, and transportation planning are important parts of a safe treatment experience.

Scottsdale TMS & Spravato provides supervised Spravato treatment with monitoring throughout the session and recovery period. Communicating openly about how you feel can help your care team address concerns and provide appropriate support during treatment.