Do you need to be supervised after taking Spravato® (esketamine)? At The Neuropsychiatry & TMS Group, you must remain under medical supervision for at least two hours after treatment, according to FDA requirements. Unlike medications you pick up at the pharmacy and take at home, Spravato must be self-administered in a certified healthcare setting and under the direct observation of a healthcare provider.
A period of observation is required because Spravato can cause temporary side effects, including sedation, dissociation, dizziness, and increases in blood pressure. Our clinical team monitors your response until you are ready to leave.
Spravato treatment for eligible adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) takes place in a comfortable, supervised setting. Our hometown Tampa Bay practice helps you know what to expect before your first treatment so you can plan accordingly. To learn more, schedule your appointment with The Neuropsychiatry & TMS Group today.
Spravato is a nasal spray that you take under the observation of a healthcare provider. After receiving your prescribed dose of Spravato, you need to be supervised and monitored for potential side effects of the medication.
Spravato affects everyone differently. You may experience temporary changes in perception or feel detached from your surroundings. Other possible effects include dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, anxiety, or a sensation of spinning. These effects are one reason Spravato cannot simply be taken at home.
The FDA requires patients receiving Spravato in outpatient healthcare settings to be monitored by a healthcare provider for at least two hours after each dose. This does not necessarily mean you will feel side effects throughout the entire monitoring period. Rather, the observation time allows us to watch how you respond and determine when it is appropriate for you to leave.
As individual responses vary, your experience may not be identical from one appointment to another.
You will need to arrange transportation home after your Spravato appointment. You should not drive, operate machinery, or perform other activities requiring complete mental alertness until the next day following a restful sleep.
However, Spravato prescribing information does not generally require another person to medically supervise you at home after you have been cleared to leave the treatment center. Planning transportation before your appointment can make treatment days much easier.
Because Spravato can temporarily affect alertness and coordination, it is wise to plan your treatment days with the restrictions after treatment.
We can help you understand what this means for your particular work responsibilities and daily routine. You may want to set aside the remainder of the day to eliminate the pressure of immediately returning to your usual schedule.
Before beginning Spravato, your provider will review your medical and psychiatric history and determine whether the treatment is appropriate for you. Spravato is used for specific forms of depression, including treatment-resistant depression and certain cases of major depressive disorder.
If you decide to take Spravato, knowing that each appointment includes an observation period can help you plan your schedule, transportation, and other responsibilities.
If depression has not responded adequately to previous treatment, The Neuropsychiatry & TMS Group can help you determine whether Spravato may be appropriate for you.
With locations in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Brandon, and Palm Harbor, our team provides local access to supervised Spravato treatment throughout the Tampa Bay area. We will explain the process, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect before, during, and after each appointment.
Contact The Neuropsychiatry & TMS Group to schedule an appointment and learn whether you need to be supervised after taking Spravato.
