5 Critical Spravato Side Effects Patients Need to Know: Expert Guide to Treatment Success
For individuals battling treatment-resistant depression, Spravato (esketamine) offers a groundbreaking path to relief when traditional medications have failed. However, understanding potential side effects is crucial for patients considering this innovative therapy. At Spravato Treatment Centers of New Jersey, we believe informed patients achieve better outcomes. This comprehensive guide walks you through what to expect during Spravato treatment, empowering you to make confident healthcare decisions.
1. Temporary Dissociation: Understanding the Most Common Experience
Dissociation—feeling disconnected from your surroundings or yourself—occurs in approximately 41% of patients during treatment. This sensation typically begins shortly after administration and resolves within 1-2 hours. Many patients describe feeling “floaty” or experiencing altered perception.
The good news? This side effect typically diminishes with repeated treatments. Our clinical team at Spravato Treatment Centers of New Jersey carefully monitors each patient throughout their session, ensuring comfort and safety while these temporary sensations occur.
Important note: Due to dissociative effects, patients must remain at the treatment center for 2 hours of monitoring and cannot drive themselves home after receiving Spravato.
2. Blood Pressure Changes: What Heart Health Monitoring Looks Like
Approximately 17% of patients experience temporary increases in blood pressure—typically peaking around 40 minutes after administration and returning to normal within 2 hours. For most patients, these changes aren’t medically concerning but require careful monitoring.
Our protocols include baseline blood pressure readings before treatment and scheduled checks throughout your appointment. Patients with cardiovascular conditions undergo additional screening before beginning Spravato therapy.
3. Nausea and Dizziness: Managing Digestive and Balance Effects
About 28% of patients report nausea, while 23% experience dizziness during treatment sessions. These symptoms typically resolve quickly but can be uncomfortable in the moment.
Simple preparation strategies can significantly reduce these effects. Our team recommends:
- Avoiding heavy meals 2 hours before treatment
- Staying well-hydrated (but limiting fluids 30 minutes before administration)
- Informing your provider immediately if nausea becomes severe
For those with persistent symptoms, our medical team can discuss anti-nausea medications that may help, as detailed in our comprehensive side effects management guide.
4. Sedation and Drowsiness: Post-Treatment Recovery Timeline
Approximately 23% of patients experience sedation, and many report feeling tired after their session. Most patients find this mild and manageable, but it reinforces why having a driver is essential.
Fatigue typically resolves within 24 hours after treatment. Planning your schedule accordingly—perhaps scheduling sessions when you can rest afterward—can make the experience more comfortable.
5. Anxiety and Emotional Responses: Navigating Psychological Effects
Some patients (about 13%) temporarily experience increased anxiety during treatment. This often subsides quickly but can be unsettling for unprepared patients.
Our clinical team creates a calming environment with reduced lighting, comfortable seating, and optional noise-canceling headphones. Many patients find that listening to relaxing music helps create a positive experience despite these temporary sensations.
Olivia’s Breakthrough: From Engineering Solutions to Finding Her Own
“As an engineer, I’m trained to solve problems—but when it came to my depression, nothing was working,” recalls Olivia, a 45-year-old patient at our Chatham location. After multiple failed medication trials over eight years, her psychiatrist recommended Spravato.
“During my first treatment, I experienced the dissociation they warned me about. It was strange but not frightening because the staff had prepared me well. I felt dizzy and a bit nauseated initially, but by my third session, those effects were minimal.”
Six weeks into treatment, Olivia noticed dramatic improvements. “For the first time in nearly a decade, I feel present in my own life. My concentration at work has returned, and I’ve reconnected with friends I’d withdrawn from.”
Olivia continues maintenance treatments at Spravato Treatment Centers of New Jersey and emphasizes the importance of understanding potential side effects. “Knowing what to expect made all the difference in sticking with treatment long enough to see results.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Spravato Side Effects
How long do Spravato side effects typically last?
Most acute side effects resolve within 1-2 hours after administration, which is why the mandatory monitoring period exists. By the time you’re cleared to leave with your designated driver, most effects have substantially diminished.
Do side effects improve with continued treatment?
Yes, many patients report that side effects like dissociation and nausea become less pronounced with subsequent treatments. Your body often adapts to the medication over time.
Will insurance cover Spravato despite these side effects?
Most insurance providers recognize Spravato as a medically necessary treatment for TRD when properly prescribed. The side effect profile doesn’t typically impact coverage, though specific plans vary. Visit our insurance and cost information page for details about verification and assistance programs.
Conclusion: Balancing Side Effects Against Potential Benefits
While Spravato side effects require consideration, they must be weighed against the potential for significant symptom relief in treatment-resistant depression. With proper medical supervision—like that provided by our specialized team—these effects can be managed effectively, allowing patients to experience the full therapeutic benefit.
Understanding what to expect creates confidence. Most side effects are temporary and manageable, especially when you’re prepared. Our detailed Spravato FAQ section addresses additional concerns you might have about the treatment process.
If you’re considering Spravato for treatment-resistant depression, schedule a consultation to discuss your specific health situation and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your concerns about potential side effects.
