5 possible side effects of esketamine treatment for depression and how they’re managed

About 5.4% of adults worldwide have depression. When left untreated, depression can increase the risk of suicide, underscoring the need for effective treatments. If you haven’t found relief from traditional treatments, your provider may recommend either ketamine or esketamine (Spravato®). 

Ketamine and Spravato® (esketamine) both increase glutamate in the brain, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Higher levels of glutamatergic activity can help your brain form neuronal connections, which may help ease depression symptoms. 

Ketamine is administered intravenously in a clinic, whereas Spravato® (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray that is used under the supervision of a health care provider. Both treatments can provide fast relief, but esketamine offers a noninvasive option with fewer and more manageable side effects than most antidepressants. 

At Psychiatry Treatment Centers, we provide Spravato® (esketamine) under careful supervision to ensure your safety. While all medications have potential side effects, knowing how to relieve them can help you explore this treatment option with confidence.

In this article, we explore five possible side effects of esketamine treatment for depression and how to manage them effectively.

5 possible side effects of Spravato® (esketamine) treatment for depression

Fortunately, the side effects of Spravato® are fewer and more manageable than many medications. Most side effects are temporary and quickly subside. During each session, a health care professional monitors you for at least two hours to ensure your safety and ease potential side effects if they occur. 

Not everyone has the same reaction to Spravato®. Please talk to your provider or a member of our clinical staff about potential side effects. You can also take a look at the Spravato® pamphlet for further information.

Possible side effects include:

1. Dissociation

Some people may feel disconnected from their body, thoughts or surroundings. This sensation is usually temporary and fades within a couple hours during your treatment. Over time, dissociation may become less intense during treatment.

How to manage this side effect:

Deep breathing exercises, grounding techniques (like focusing on the objects in the room) and talking with your health care provider can help you manage this side effect. They work by guiding your thoughts away from your dissociation, helping you feel more connected to your surroundings. 

2. Sleepiness 

Feeling drowsy, tired or sleepy is common when taking Spravato®. This feeling may wear off during your treatment. Patients who feel tired after treatment often feel better after a restful night’s sleep.

How to manage this side effect:

You’ll need a friend or family member to drive you to and from the clinic. It may also be helpful to schedule your treatments on days when you can rest after your session, if needed. If drowsiness or fatigue is interfering with your lifestyle, let your provider know so that they can consider adjusting your treatment. 

3. Anxiety

Some patients feel anxiety during their first treatment sessions, especially if they experience dissociation. Fortunately, this side effect is temporary and usually subsides within a few hours. As the course of treatment progresses, many people become more comfortable as their bodies adjust to Spravato®. 

How to manage this side effect:

You can reduce potential anxiety by bringing items with you to keep you comfortable. Many patients find it helpful to bring a blanket and/or relaxing music to listen to. At PTC, we can supply headphones and an eye mask for your comfort. Your health care professional can also guide you through grounding techniques or deep breathing exercises to help relieve this symptom. 

4. Nausea

Some patients experience nausea shortly after Spravato® is administered. Nausea usually resolves within a few hours. With continued treatment, this symptom is less likely to occur over time. 

How to manage this side effect:

You can decrease your risk of nausea by trying to avoid eating at least two hours before your appointment. If you are hungry, you can eat light, bland foods like toast or crackers. Greasy and spicy foods are more likely to lead to nausea. Staying hydrated throughout the day can also be helpful. Ginger may also ease nausea. You can also talk to your provider about taking anti-nausea medication during your treatment to relieve this symptom. 

5. Dizziness or spinning sensations

Experiencing vertigo, or a spinning sensation, may happen shortly after taking Spravato®. If dizziness occurs, it usually subsides within the two-hour supervision period. Fortunately, this symptom can be managed in several ways. 

How to manage this side effect:

If you feel dizzy during your appointment, remain seated and let a member of the clinical staff know. When your session ends, move slowly to keep from feeling lightheaded. Drinking plenty of water before and after your appointment can help ease this symptom. If your dizziness is difficult to manage, let your provider know, so they can determine if you need a lower dose. 

How Spravato® (esketamine) differs from traditional medications

Spravato’s side effects are generally temporary and usually occur during or after treatment. Everyone’s experience is different. You may have few or no side effects at all. However, if they do occur, you can easily manage them. 

Most side effects fade within a few hours or by the end of your treatment day. Over time, they may lessen as your body adjusts to Spravato®. In contrast, traditional antidepressants can take weeks or months to take full effect, and side effects often continue throughout treatment. For many patients, the benefits of Spravato® outweigh the side effects and often provide significantly faster relief of depression symptoms. Throughout treatment, your provider can adjust your dosage to minimize side effects and maximize results. 

Get safe Spravato® treatments at Psychiatry Treatment Centers

If you’ve been searching for an effective treatment to ease your depression that has not responded to traditional medications, Spravato® may be a good option for you. You can feel confident knowing our compassionate team can monitor you closely, helping you stay as comfortable as possible. At Psychiatry Treatment Centers, we can tailor this treatment to your needs to help minimize side effects and achieve the best outcome.

Reach out to our team by phone today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment. You can also book your initial appointment online now.