Spravato® treatment experience: 9 things people commonly feel and how providers support you

If you’re thinking about starting Spravato® (esketamine) treatment, it’s natural to wonder what the experience actually feels like. Reading about possible side effects can feel abstract, especially if you’ve never tried this type of therapy before. Understanding what may happen during a session, and how your provider supports you throughout the process, can help you feel more prepared and informed.

Psychiatry Treatment Centers is a certified Spravato® (esketamine) treatment center specializing in advanced, evidence-based mental health care. In this guide, we’ll walk through common sensations people report during treatment and explain how care teams like ours create a safe, supportive environment every step of the way.

What does Spravato® treatment feel like?

During a Spravato® session, you may notice temporary physical or emotional sensations. Unlike many traditional antidepressant medications, the effects of Spravato® often begin and fade within the same day. For many people, these sensations are manageable and lessen within a few hours, especially with clinical guidance and monitoring.

Some individuals report feeling:

• Low energy or fatigue
  
• Sleepiness
  
• Nausea
  
• Headache
  
• A sense of euphoria or excitement
  
• Temporary anxiety or restlessness
  
• Dizziness or a spinning sensation
  
• A feeling of detachment from thoughts, feelings, or surroundings (dissociation)
  
• Numbness or decreased sensitivity
  

Not everyone has the same reaction to Spravato®. Your experience may feel different from someone else’s, and some people notice very few side effects at all. Be sure to talk with your doctor or a member of the clinical team about any concerns. You can also review the Spravato® brochure for detailed safety and prescribing information.

6 ways your provider supports you during Spravato® treatment

Spravato® nasal spray is administered in a controlled clinical setting, which means you’re never managing the treatment on your own. Throughout each session, trained professionals are present to monitor your response and support your comfort. Here are six key ways providers guide the process.

1. You receive clear education before treatment begins

Before your first session, your provider will explain what to expect before, during, and after treatment. This includes how the medication works, what the observation period involves, and how you may feel afterward. Having this information ahead of time can help reduce uncertainty and make the experience feel more approachable.

2. Vital signs are monitored before treatment

At the start of each visit, your care team will check your blood pressure and other vital signs. This helps ensure it’s safe to move forward and establishes a baseline for monitoring how your body responds to treatment.

3. You’re guided through using the nasal spray

Although Spravato® is self-administered, it’s always done under clinical supervision. Your provider will walk you through how to use the nasal spray device and remain nearby to ensure the process is completed safely and correctly.

4. You rest in a comfortable observation space

After administration, you’ll relax in a private pod during the required two-hour observation period. This space is designed to feel calm and supportive. You’re welcome to bring personal comfort items, such as a blanket, headphones, a book, or a journal. Many clinics, including PTC, also provide items like eye masks and headphones to help you relax.

5. Your care team checks in regularly

During the observation period, providers continue to monitor your vital signs and check in with you about how you’re feeling, both physically and emotionally. Sharing what you notice helps the team understand your response and tailor support during current and future sessions. 

6. Support is available if side effects feel uncomfortable

If you experience unpleasant sensations, your care team can help address them in real time and provide guidance for after your visit. This may include:

• Anti-nausea medication
• Grounding techniques to ease temporary dissociation
• Breathing exercises to help with anxiety

Some people may need a bit more time to feel fully alert before leaving. You’ll be discharged once you feel stable and comfortable enough to go home safely.

Begin your Spravato® journey with Psychiatry Treatment Centers

At Psychiatry Treatment Centers, Spravato® treatment is a carefully monitored, supportive process focused on safety and comfort. Our clinical teams are here to answer questions, guide each session, and support you throughout your care.

Spravato® treatment is currently available at our Southern California clinics. While Spravato® is not offered at our Georgia locations, we’re proud to provide TMS therapy at our Hinesville, Georgia, clinic, giving individuals in the area access to another FDA-approved option for treating depression.Reach out to our team by phone today for more information about starting Spravato® or to schedule a consultation. You can also book your initial appointment online now.