Starting a new treatment for depression brings up a lot of questions, and that is especially true for something as distinct as
SPRAVATO®. It is not a pill you take at home, and it works differently from anything most patients have tried before. Knowing what to expect with SPRAVATO® before your first session can help ease uncertainty and let you focus on the experience itself. At NeuroPsych Wellness Center, PC, we want you to feel informed and supported from the moment you walk through our door.
The treatment process is structured and takes place entirely in our office under medical supervision. Call us to understand what your sessions will involve.
Before Your First SPRAVATO® Session
Our care team will review your medical and psychiatric history to confirm that esketamine therapy is appropriate for you. You should plan to arrange a ride home after each session, as you will not be able to drive until the following day. It is also a good idea to avoid eating for at least two hours before your appointment and to limit liquids for about 30 minutes prior.
Our staff will go over these and other preparation details with you in advance.
What Happens During Your SPRAVATO® Session?
You will self-administer the SPRAVATO® nasal spray in our office. Following administration, you will remain with us for approximately two hours so our team can monitor your response. During this observation period, some patients experience temporary effects such as dizziness, nausea, or a dissociative sensation. These typically resolve before the monitoring period ends.
Many patients use this time to sit quietly or rest. The setting is calm, and our staff is present throughout.
What Happens Over Time?
SPRAVATO® is not a single-session treatment. The standard schedule begins with twice-weekly sessions during the first month, followed by once-weekly sessions, and then a maintenance phase based on your individual progress. Some patients notice changes in their mood or energy within the first few sessions, though responses vary.
Our care team at NeuroPsych Wellness Center, PC will track your progress closely and adjust your plan as needed.
Managing Side Effects and Knowing What Is Normal
The most commonly reported
side effects of SPRAVATO® include dissociation, dizziness, nausea, and temporarily elevated blood pressure. These effects are why the FDA requires a two-hour post-administration monitoring period, and why you cannot drive yourself home after a session. They are generally short-lived and tend to diminish as you progress through the treatment schedule.
Our clinical team at NeuroPsych Wellness Center, PC monitors you throughout and is trained to recognize and respond to any concerns that arise. If something feels off at any point, we want to hear about it.
Take the Next Step With Our Team And Learn More About Esketamine Therapy
Understanding what to expect with SPRAVATO® is a meaningful part of feeling ready to try it. Our team at NeuroPsych Wellness Center, PC, is committed to walking alongside you through every phase of treatment, from your first appointment to ongoing care.
If you are living with treatment-resistant depression and want to explore esketamine therapy in Fairfax,
reach out to us today to get started.
