What Happens During a Spravato Session? A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
What Happens During a Spravato Session?
For many people, the biggest hesitation about Spravato isn’t whether it works — it’s not knowing what the experience is actually like.
Spravato sessions are structured, medically supervised, and predictable. Knowing what happens before, during, and after treatment can make the process feel far more manageable.
Here’s what a typical Spravato visit looks like.
Before You Arrive
Spravato sessions take place in a certified clinical setting, not at home. Before your appointment, you’ll usually be asked to:
- Avoid eating for a few hours beforehand
- Avoid drinking liquids for a shorter window
- Arrange transportation home, since you won’t be able to drive after treatment
These guidelines help reduce side effects and ensure safety during monitoring.
Check-In and Medical Assessment
When you arrive, clinical staff will review how you’re feeling and check vital signs, including blood pressure.
This step is important because Spravato can cause temporary increases in blood pressure. Monitoring before treatment helps ensure it’s safe to proceed that day.
If anything is off — such as elevated blood pressure or new symptoms — treatment may be delayed or adjusted.
Administering Spravato
Spravato is administered as a nasal spray , which patients self-administer under medical supervision.
Staff will:
- Explain how to use the device
- Observe administration
- Ensure the correct dosing schedule is followed
Once dosing is complete, you’ll remain seated or reclined in a comfortable setting.
The Observation Period
After administration, patients are monitored for at least two hours . This is a required part of Spravato treatment.
During this time, you may experience:
- Changes in perception
- Feeling detached or dissociated
- Drowsiness or lightheadedness
- A sense of mental quiet or clarity
These effects typically peak and fade during the observation window. Medical staff remain available throughout this period to monitor vitals and respond if needed.
Many patients spend this time resting quietly. Some listen to music or simply relax.
Monitoring and Safety Checks
Throughout the observation period, staff will:
- Recheck blood pressure
- Assess alertness and stability
- Make sure side effects are resolving
You won’t be rushed out. Patients are only discharged once it’s medically appropriate.
After the Session
Once cleared to leave, you’ll need a ride home. It’s normal to feel tired afterward, and most patients are advised to rest for the remainder of the day.
Important things to know:
- You should not drive until the next day
- You should avoid major decisions or strenuous activity
- Mild side effects may linger briefly but usually resolve
How Often Are Spravato Sessions?
Spravato follows a structured schedule, especially at the beginning of treatment.
Most patients start with:
- Two sessions per week for the first month
- Weekly sessions for the next phase
- Less frequent maintenance sessions over time, if effective
The exact schedule depends on individual response and clinical judgment.
What a Spravato Session Is — and Isn’t
A Spravato visit isn’t therapy in the traditional sense, and it’s not an infusion or a take-home medication.
It is :
- Medically supervised
- Structured and predictable
- Focused on safety and consistency
It is not :
- A rushed appointment
- An unsupervised experience
- Something you manage on your own
Why Structure Matters
The consistency of Spravato sessions is part of what makes the treatment safe and effective. Monitoring, routine, and follow-up all play a role in helping patients get the most benefit while minimizing risk.
If you’re considering Spravato and want to understand how sessions are structured and supervised, learning what a visit involves can help you decide whether it fits your needs and schedule.
You can learn more about Spravato treatment and what sessions look like at Therapeutic Infusions on our Spravato treatment page.
