What Happens During a Spravato Session? A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
What happens during a Spravato treatment session is more predictable than most people expect. There's a protocol. Everyone follows it. Knowing the sequence in advance turns a session from "what's about to happen to me" into "I know exactly what's next" — which itself reduces anxiety enough to make the medicine work better.
The day before
You'll get specific guidance from your provider, but the basics: don't eat heavily within two hours of your appointment (Spravato can cause mild nausea), drink plenty of water, take your usual medications as instructed, and arrange a ride. You can have a light snack 90 minutes before. No alcohol the night before.
Check-in, vitals, and consent review
You arrive at the clinic, check in, and a nurse takes your blood pressure and heart rate. This isn't formality — Spravato can cause a temporary BP increase, and we want a clean baseline. Your provider reviews how you've been since your last visit, addresses any side effects, and confirms you're cleared for dosing.
How self-administration actually works
This part surprises some patients. You hold the device. You administer the spray yourself, one nostril at a time, on a schedule your provider talks you through. We watch you do it because the FDA requires it through the REMS program — that's the only reason. There's nothing technical or scary about it.
The two-hour observation
You return to a comfortable chair in a quiet private room. Vitals are checked at specific intervals. You can rest, listen to music, sit in silence, or use the eye mask if we provide one. You're never alone in the building — staff is within voice range. You don't need to talk or perform; you just let the medicine work.
Discharge criteria
We don't let you leave until your vitals are back at baseline, you're alert, you can walk steadily, and you have a confirmed ride. This is non-negotiable. If you need an extra 20 minutes, you get it.
Going home and the rest of your day
You'll be tired. Most patients eat something, then rest or sleep. You shouldn't drive for 24 hours, even if you feel fine. Many patients report their mood feels noticeably lighter by the next morning — but some don't notice changes until later in the induction phase, which is also normal.
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