If you’ve been living with treatment-resistant depression, you’ve probably tried more than a few medications without getting the relief you deserve. It can be exhausting and discouraging. That’s exactly why so many patients in the Clearwater area are asking about SPRAVATO® (esketamine) — an FDA-approved treatment that works differently from traditional antidepressants and often brings relief much faster.
But one of the most common questions we hear at Advantage Mental Health Center is: What is a Spravato session actually like? It’s a fair question. Knowing what to expect can make a real difference in how comfortable and confident you feel walking through our doors.
Here’s an honest, straightforward look at the Spravato experience from start to finish.
First, a Little Background on Spravato
SPRAVATO® is an FDA-approved nasal spray containing esketamine, a compound related to ketamine that acts on different brain receptors than most traditional antidepressants. Approved in 2019, it’s specifically indicated for adults with treatment-resistant depression — meaning depression that hasn’t responded adequately to at least two other antidepressant treatments.
Unlike oral antidepressants that can take weeks to build up in your system, Spravato often works quickly. Many patients notice relief sooner than they expected. It’s can used alongside an oral antidepressant and is administered only in a certified clinical setting — which is where we come in.
What Happens Before Your Session
You’ll want to plan ahead for your Spravato appointment. Because the medication can cause temporary drowsiness or dissociative effects, you won’t be able to drive yourself home. Arrange for a trusted person to pick you up, or plan for a rideshare.
You should also avoid eating for at least two hours before your session and avoid drinking liquids for at least 30 minutes beforehand. If you take a nasal corticosteroid or decongestant, your provider will advise you on timing.
When you arrive at our Clearwater office, you’ll check in and settle into a comfortable, private space. We take confidentiality seriously here — you’re not sitting in a crowded waiting room. You’ll have a calm, welcoming environment where you can relax before your session begins.
Administering the Nasal Spray
One thing that surprises many new patients: you administer the nasal spray yourself. A member of our clinical team will hand you the device and walk you through exactly how to use it. You’ll alternate nostrils between doses. The process is straightforward, and our staff is right there with you the entire time.
The spray itself takes only a moment. There’s no IV, no needles, and no complicated procedure involved. Once the medication is administered, you’ll settle in and let it do its work.
What You May Feel During the Session
This is the part most people are curious about, and it’s worth being upfront: Spravato produces real, noticeable effects while it’s active in your system. Most sessions last about two hours, during which our team monitors you closely.
Common experiences during a session can include:
Dissociation — You may feel a sense of detachment from your surroundings, your thoughts, or even your sense of self. This can feel unusual if you’re not expecting it, but it’s temporary and considered a normal part of how the medication works.
Dizziness or a floating sensation — Many patients describe feeling a little lightheaded or as though they’re floating. Some find this relaxing; others find it takes getting used to.
Perceptual changes — Colors may appear more vivid. Sounds might seem altered. Time can feel like it’s moving differently.
Nausea — A smaller number of patients experience mild nausea, which typically passes within the session window.
Emotional shifts — Some people feel a wave of emotion during a session, while others feel calm and reflective. Everyone’s experience is a little different.
It’s worth noting that these effects are temporary. They typically peak within the first hour and subside before you leave the office.
You’re Supervised the Entire Time
You are never left alone during a Spravato session. A clinical staff member checks on you regularly throughout your two hours in the office. If anything feels overwhelming or uncomfortable, you can speak up immediately — we’re right there.
Many patients bring headphones and listen to music or a podcast. Others simply rest. There’s no pressure to do or feel anything in particular. Your comfort matters to us.
Before you’re cleared to leave, a staff member will assess how you’re feeling and confirm you’re stable. You’ll need to remain at the office for the full monitoring period — two hours from the time of administration.
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
Spravato treatment typically follows a structured schedule. During the first month, sessions are generally held twice a week. After that, the frequency decreases based on your response and your provider’s guidance – generally once a week or once every other week after the first month. Your care team at Advantage Mental Health Center will work with you to find the schedule that fits your life and supports your progress.
Is Spravato Covered by Insurance?
Spravato is covered by many insurance plans. Our team can help clarify your coverage options and answer questions about costs before you commit to anything.
Taking the Next Step
Living with treatment-resistant depression is genuinely hard, and you deserve options that go beyond what hasn’t worked so far. Spravato represents a meaningful step forward for many people, and knowing what a session feels like ahead of time can make that first appointment feel a lot less uncertain.
What if I can’t do Spravato
If you can’t do Spravato do to medical or insurance reasons, we also offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) that treats severe depression. We offer free consults to see if TMS or Spravato is better for you.
At Advantage Mental Health Center, our providers take the time to get to know you, answer your questions, and make sure you feel supported every step of the way. If you’d like to learn more about whether Spravato might be right for you, call us at 727-600-8093.
Sources:
Machado-Vieira, R., Baumann, J., Wheeler-Castillo, C., Latov, D., Henter, I. D., Salvadore, G., & Zarate, C. A. (2010). The Timing of Antidepressant Effects: A Comparison of Diverse Pharmacological and Somatic Treatments. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 3(1), 19–41. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph3010019
Bahr, R., Lopez, A., & Rey, J. A. (2019). Intranasal Esketamine (SpravatoTM) for Use in Treatment-Resistant Depression In Conjunction With an Oral Antidepressant. P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management, 44(6), 340–375.