Possible Spravato® Side Effects & How to Deal With Them

When starting Spravato® (esketamine) treatment for depression, you may have questions about its potential side effects. While the therapy has brought effective relief when standard treatments failed, it is normal to wonder how you might feel during or after a session.

Spravato® is an FDA-approved esketamine nasal spray that offers new possibilities of relief for major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, like any treatment, it may have some side effects.

The good news is that most Spravato® side effects are mild and temporary when treatment is administered under a competent clinical setting. Understanding these effects and how to manage them can make your experience more predictable.

At Bristol Health, we provide safe and supervised Spravato® treatment for patients who have not found success with standard antidepressants. We understand that starting a new mental health treatment is an important step, and our team guides you through the process with care and support.

Potential Spravato® Side Effects

Spravato® contains esketamine, the active ingredient that makes the treatment work. Esketamine is closely related to ketamine, which was originally developed as an anesthetic and later studied as a treatment for depression.

Unlike traditional antidepressants, which often take weeks to show results, Spravato® provides rapid relief by working on the brain’s glutamate system. It helps regrow and reactivate neural pathways that improve communication between brain cells. This unique mechanism is what makes Spravato® effective for people with treatment-resistant depression.

At Bristol Health, Spravato® is administered as a nasal spray under the supervision of a qualified professional. We will be with you throughout the session to ensure your comfort and safety.

While Spravato® is a unique and highly effective treatment, it's important to be aware of the temporary effects that may occur. These are a natural part of the treatment's mechanism and are closely monitored.

Most of these effects appear shortly after treatment and fade the same day.

Dissociation: You may experience a feeling of “disconnection” from your thoughts, feelings, or surroundings. This effect is usually short-lived and wears off within hours.
Drowsiness or Dizziness: You may feel drowsy or lightheaded after the dose is administered. This is why you must have a ride home and avoid driving the rest of the day.
Nausea or Headache: You might feel a bit queasy or have a mild headache. These are usually manageable and can often be lessened by having a light snack beforehand and staying hydrated.
Feeling “Drunk” or Euphoric: Temporary changes in perception and mood are not unusual. These effects are also short-lived and are closely monitored by our staff.

These effects are generally short-lived, often improving within a couple of hours after the session. The Spravato® treatment protocol is designed with your safety in mind, and our team is always on hand to provide guidance and support, making the experience as comfortable as possible.

Other Mild & Less Common Symptoms

Some less frequent, but mild symptoms that you may experience can include:

Numbness or tingling
Anxiety or restlessness
Lack of energy or fatigue
Constipation or diarrhea
Dry mouth
Change in taste
Nose or throat discomfort from the nasal spray

Please note that Spravato® may be prescribed along with an oral antidepressant. So, it is possible that some symptoms you experience may be related to the companion medication rather than Spravato® itself.

While strong reactions are quite uncommon, in rare cases, patients may experience a temporary rise in blood pressure or an allergic response. This is why your treatment is always closely monitored at Bristol Health. We ensure your safety and health throughout the treatment period.

If you ever experience severe or unusual symptoms after treatment, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

Tips for Managing Spravato® Side Effects

It is important to know that symptoms discussed here do not occur for every patient, and when they do occur, the intensity and duration can vary from person to person. Factors such as your stress level, diet, and hydration before a session can have an impact on how you feel afterward.

Here are several tips that can help you reduce discomfort and manage side effects effectively.

Follow fasting instructions: Do not eat for at least 2 hours before your session and avoid drinking liquids within 30 minutes of dosing. This helps lower the risk of nausea and vomiting.
Share Your Medicines & Supplements: Some oral antidepressants, herbal products, or supplements may interact with Spravato® or impact your blood pressure. During your initial consultation, please let us know about any medications and supplements you’re taking so we can keep your treatment safe and effective.
Take Time to Rest Afterward: Plan for a few hours of downtime following your session. This gives your body time to recover as feelings of dizziness, sleepiness, or mild nausea wear off.
Medical & Natural Supports: Some side effects can be eased with simple remedies or medications when needed. For instance, mint tea can help with nausea. Our provider can give you specific advice on this.
Keep a journal: A short journal of how you felt and what helped can guide our care team to tailor your treatment session and identify patterns that may be helpful.

Get Expert Care for Spravato® Treatment in Orem, UT

Spravato® is an innovative treatment designed to bring hope and relief when traditional therapies haven’t been enough.

At Bristol Health, your safety, comfort, and progress are always our top priorities. Every session in our clinic is supervised by experienced mental health professionals who provide close monitoring and personalized care so you can focus on healing with confidence.

To learn more about how Spravato® treatment can help you, call us today at (801) 903-5903 or request an appointment online. Your path to better mental health and a brighter future starts here.