Your first Spravato treatment at Revival Psychiatry Practice is a 2–3 hour, closely supervised visit designed to ensure comfort and safety throughout the process. You’ll start with a structured check-in and preparation, then self-administer the FDA-approved nasal spray under medical supervision. After dosing, you may experience mild dissociative effects for about 40 minutes, which gradually subside as you rest in a calm, monitored setting. Once you’ve fully recovered and feel stable, our team will review your discharge instructions and make sure you’re ready to safely return home.
Deciding to begin a new treatment can feel overwhelming, but understanding how it works is the first step toward feeling more confident. At Revival Psychiatry Practice, we believe in empowering you with clear information about the innovative therapies we offer.
Spravato (esketamine) is an FDA-approved prescription nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to show effects, Spravato targets NMDA receptors in the brain and often provides rapid symptom improvement.
The medication comes in a specialized nasal spray device that patients use themselves while seated comfortably in our treatment rooms. Each dose is precisely measured and administered under the direct supervision of our trained staff at our Mesa office.
For many people struggling with treatment-resistant depression, the cycle of trying different medications without success can be exhausting. Spravato offers hope for individuals who haven’t found relief after trying at least two different antidepressants.
The treatment works through a unique mechanism that helps restore synaptic connections affected by depression. Many patients report feeling improvement within hours to days rather than the weeks typical of traditional medications, providing the rapid relief that has been difficult to achieve with other methods.
A little preparation can help your first session go as smoothly as possible. Our team will provide you with detailed instructions to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment.
Before arriving for your Spravato treatment, follow these essential preparation steps:
Avoid eating for at least 2 hours before your appointment
Stop drinking liquids 30 minutes before treatment
Arrange for a trusted friend, family member, or ride-sharing service to drive you home
Take your regular morning medications unless instructed otherwise
Bring comfortable clothes and items that help you feel relaxed
Review and complete any pre-treatment forms sent by our office
You will not be able to drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for the rest of the day after your treatment. Our Mesa location offers extended hours, including evenings until 8 PM on weekdays and Saturday mornings.
It’s completely normal to feel anxious before your first session. Consider these strategies to help ease your mind:
Write down questions to discuss with our team before treatment begins
Practice deep breathing exercises you can use during the session
Bring headphones to listen to calming music or a favorite podcast
Consider bringing a book or a journal for the observation period
Remember that our staff will be monitoring you throughout
Our clinical environment is designed for your comfort, and the team is there to support you every step of the way.
From the moment you walk into our Mesa clinic, our goal is to provide a professional and reassuring experience that prioritizes your safety and comfort.
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our staff at the front desk, where they’ll verify your information and ensure all paperwork is complete. The initial assessment includes:
Vital sign measurements, including blood pressure and heart rate
Brief mood assessment to establish your baseline
Review of any medications you’ve taken that day
Confirmation of your ride home arrangements
Discussion of any concerns or questions you have
This process typically takes 15-20 minutes and helps our team tailor your experience to your specific needs.
You’ll have a chance to connect with members of our team who will be overseeing your session. Our approach ensures comprehensive care throughout your treatment.
We will review the treatment process step by step to ensure you understand what will happen. This is an excellent time to ask any last-minute questions and share specific concerns about the treatment experience.
Understanding the flow of the appointment can help demystify the experience. Here’s exactly what happens during your first Spravato treatment session.
The actual administration follows a specific protocol designed for safety and effectiveness:
You’ll be seated in a comfortable reclining chair in a private treatment room
Our staff will hand you the nasal spray device and demonstrate proper technique
You’ll lean your head back slightly and spray once into each nostril
After waiting 5 minutes, you’ll repeat with a second spray
The entire dosing process takes about 10 minutes
Throughout this process, our trained professionals remain nearby to guide you through each step and ensure proper administration.
Yes, you will be awake and conscious throughout the entire process. Spravato is not a form of general anesthesia. You’ll experience a mildly altered state of consciousness in which you remain aware of your surroundings while feeling deeply relaxed.
Most patients describe a dreamlike experience while remaining aware of where they are.
During the 40-minute active phase after administration, patients commonly experience:
A floating or disconnected feeling from your body (dissociation)
Altered perception of time passing
Mild visual changes or enhanced colors
Feeling of calmness or peace
Temporary numbness in the mouth or throat
Slight dizziness when first sitting up
Changes in perception
These sensations are normal, expected parts of the treatment and typically fade within the first couple of hours. Our staff monitors you closely and provides reassurance if any feelings become uncomfortable.
Plan for your entire first appointment to last approximately 2.5 to 3 hours:
15-20 minutes for check-in and preparation
10 minutes for medication administration
40 minutes of active treatment effects
60-90 minutes of observation and recovery
10-15 minutes for discharge planning
Our team schedules appointments with adequate time between patients to ensure that no one feels rushed.
Your safety is our highest priority. Throughout the session, our medical team provides continuous monitoring:
Regular vital sign checks every 20-30 minutes
Visual observation for any signs of distress
Availability to answer questions or provide reassurance
Assistance with bathroom needs if required
Comfort measures like blankets or temperature adjustments
You are never left alone during this critical period. A member of our team will be available to provide support and ensure you are comfortable.
Common side effects are typically mild and temporary:
Drowsiness lasting several hours
Mild headache treatable with over-the-counter medication
Temporary increase in blood pressure
Nausea (uncommon when fasting guidelines are followed)
Dizziness and dissociation that resolve within 2 hours
Feeling tired for the remainder of the day
Our experienced team knows how to manage these effects and will provide specific instructions for home care. If you experience nausea, our team can provide support to help manage it. We advise you to rest and relax for the remainder of the day.
Your treatment journey with Spravato continues beyond the first session:
Initial phase: Twice-weekly treatments for 4 weeks
Continuation phase: Weekly treatments for 4 weeks
Maintenance phase: Weekly or biweekly, based on your response and progress
Regular psychiatric evaluations to assess progress
Coordination with your ongoing therapy or medication management
Our team will schedule your next appointment before you leave and provide a treatment calendar.
Starting Spravato treatment is an important step, and your first session is designed to be structured, supportive, and closely monitored from beginning to end. At Revival Psychiatry Practice, our goal is to make the experience as comfortable and predictable as possible while helping you move toward meaningful relief from treatment-resistant depression. As you continue your treatment journey, our team will be with you every step of the way to guide your care, monitor your progress, and adjust your plan as needed to support your long-term well-being.
About the Author
Erin Jones
