August 15, 2026
If you're considering Spravato® for depression, knowing what happens during treatment can make the process feel more familiar and help you prepare for your appointments.
Spravato® (esketamine) is a prescription nasal spray with FDA-approved indications for certain adults with depression. Unlike medications you simply pick up at a pharmacy and take at home, Spravato® is administered in a certified healthcare setting where patients are monitored following each treatment.
At Saltmeadow Psychiatry in Savannah, GA, Spravato® treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether it may be appropriate for your individual needs.
Here's what you can generally expect throughout the process.
Spravato® isn't appropriate for every person experiencing depression.
Before beginning treatment, your psychiatric provider will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and previous treatment experiences.
Your evaluation may include a review of:
This process helps determine whether Spravato® is clinically appropriate and whether additional precautions need to be considered.
It's important to provide complete information about your medications and medical history so your provider can make an informed recommendation.
For patients using insurance, coverage may need to be verified before treatment begins.
Spravato® coverage varies by insurance plan, and some insurers require prior authorization or documentation showing that specific treatment criteria have been met.
The exact out-of-pocket cost depends on factors such as your insurance benefits, deductible, copay, and eligibility requirements.
Understanding these details before treatment can help prevent unexpected costs and delays.
Your healthcare team will provide instructions for preparing for treatment.
Because Spravato® can temporarily affect alertness, coordination, perception, and judgment, you'll also need to plan ahead for transportation.
You should not drive yourself home after a Spravato® treatment session. Patients need to arrange appropriate transportation and should follow their provider's instructions regarding driving and other activities after treatment.
Your provider will also explain any instructions concerning food, liquids, and medications before your appointment.
Follow the specific instructions given to you rather than making medication or dietary changes independently.
When you arrive for your appointment, your healthcare team will prepare you for treatment and perform any necessary pre-treatment checks.
Blood pressure is typically assessed because Spravato® can temporarily increase blood pressure in some patients.
You'll then settle into the designated treatment space.
The objective is to provide an environment where treatment can take place safely while allowing you to remain comfortable during the observation period.
Spravato® is administered through a nasal spray device.
Unlike an IV infusion, no intravenous line is required for Spravato® administration.
Patients self-administer the medication under the supervision of a healthcare professional according to the prescribed dose and administration instructions.
Your healthcare team remains available throughout the process and monitors your response.
Experiences vary considerably between patients.
Some people feel relaxed or sleepy. Others may notice temporary changes in perception or a sense of being disconnected from themselves or their surroundings, known as dissociation.
Possible effects can include:
Not every patient experiences the same effects, and their intensity can differ from one treatment session to another.
Your healthcare team monitors you because of these potential effects.
After administration, patients remain at the healthcare facility for observation.
For Spravato®, patients are monitored for at least two hours following administration, with the healthcare provider determining when the patient is clinically ready to leave.
During this period, your provider monitors your response and checks for potential adverse effects.
You may spend much of this time resting comfortably.
Because the appointment includes both medication administration and monitoring, you should plan sufficient time in your schedule rather than treating it like a quick medication visit.
Once your healthcare provider determines that you're clinically stable and ready to leave, you can go home with your previously arranged transportation.
You shouldn't drive yourself.
Patients are instructed not to drive, operate machinery, or engage in activities requiring complete alertness until the following day after a restful night's sleep.
Your provider will give you specific post-treatment instructions, which should always take priority over general information found online.
Spravato® treatment generally follows a structured schedule rather than being given as a single appointment.
Treatment typically begins with more frequent sessions and becomes less frequent later in the treatment course.
The exact schedule depends on the approved indication, treatment phase, clinical response, tolerability, and your provider's recommendations.
Your psychiatrist will monitor your symptoms throughout treatment and determine an appropriate ongoing schedule.
People considering Spravato® frequently want to know how quickly they'll feel different.
There isn't one answer that applies to everyone.
Some patients may experience improvement relatively early in treatment, while others require additional sessions before meaningful changes become apparent. Some individuals may not respond adequately.
Response should therefore be evaluated over time rather than judging treatment solely by how you feel immediately after one appointment.
Your psychiatrist will track symptoms and overall functioning to determine whether treatment is providing meaningful benefit.
Your medication plan depends on the indication for which Spravato® is being prescribed and your individual clinical circumstances.
Don't stop an antidepressant or change the dosage because you're starting Spravato® unless your prescribing provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Psychiatric medications should be reviewed as part of your overall treatment plan.
Your healthcare team will tell you exactly what is required, but it can be helpful to prepare for the observation period.
Depending on the clinic's policies, you may want to bring something quiet and relaxing for your time in the office.
More importantly, make sure you've arranged transportation home and understand your pre- and post-treatment instructions before arriving.
No.
Spravato® contains esketamine, which is related to ketamine but isn't identical to standard ketamine.
Spravato® is administered as a nasal spray and has specific FDA-approved psychiatric indications.
Ketamine may be administered intravenously for depression, but IV ketamine use for depression is generally off-label.
This distinction is important when researching “ketamine therapy,” because clinics may provide different medications and treatment approaches.
Spravato® has important risks and safety requirements, which is why administration takes place in a certified healthcare setting with post-dose monitoring.
Before treatment, your provider evaluates relevant medical and psychiatric factors and discusses potential risks, side effects, contraindications, and treatment expectations.
Patients should ask questions and make sure they understand both the potential benefits and risks before beginning therapy.
It's normal to have questions or uncertainty before trying a new psychiatric treatment.
Understanding the process beforehand can help.
Ask your provider about anything you're concerned about, including potential side effects, treatment frequency, transportation, insurance coverage, and what happens if you don't respond as expected.
Spravato® should be viewed as part of an overall psychiatric treatment plan rather than an isolated procedure.
At Saltmeadow Psychiatry, treatment decisions are based on your diagnosis, history, previous response to treatment, and individual goals.
If traditional depression treatments haven't provided adequate improvement, it may be worth discussing whether another treatment approach is appropriate.
Saltmeadow Psychiatry provides Spravato® treatment for eligible adults in Savannah, GA under psychiatric supervision.
Dr. Daniel Perry, MD, MPH evaluates each patient individually and develops a treatment plan based on their symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, and clinical needs.
Our Savannah practice serves patients from Pooler, Richmond Hill, Wilmington Island, Effingham County, and surrounding Georgia communities.
If you're considering Spravato® or ketamine-based depression treatment in Savannah, schedule an evaluation to learn whether Spravato® may be appropriate for you.
Saltmeadow Psychiatry
315 Commercial Drive, Suite D-6
Savannah, GA 31406
Phone: (912) 513-2888
Book an Appointment
Spravato® requires an observation period of at least two hours after administration. Patients should allow additional time for check-in, preparation, administration, and any assessments required by their healthcare provider.
Policies can vary by treatment facility. Ask Saltmeadow Psychiatry about current arrangements when scheduling your appointment.
No. Patients shouldn't drive themselves home following treatment and must arrange transportation. Follow your provider's instructions regarding when you can safely resume driving.
No. Spravato® is administered as a nasal spray. IV ketamine is a different treatment approach.
Possibly. Some patients experience temporary dizziness, sedation, dissociation, nausea, or changes in perception. Experiences vary, which is one reason patients are monitored following administration.
Spravato® follows a structured treatment schedule, but the duration and frequency of ongoing treatment depend on the indication, clinical response, tolerability, and your provider's recommendations.
Many insurance plans may cover Spravato® for eligible patients, although requirements and patient costs vary. Insurance verification and prior authorization may be necessary.
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