SPRAVATO® is a prescription nasal spray used alongside an oral antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression. For your safety, treatments are administered in-clinic under medical supervision.
Please review the instructions below carefully before each treatment.
Before Your SPRAVATO Treatment
Eating & Drinking
- Do not eat solid food for at least 2 hours before your appointment.
- Do not drink liquids for at least 30 minutes before your appointment.
- This helps reduce nausea or vomiting during treatment.
Medications & Substances
- Take your regular prescribed medications unless your provider instructs otherwise.
- Avoid alcohol on the day of treatment.
- Do not use recreational drugs on treatment days.
- Inform your provider of any new medications, especially:
- Benzodiazepines
- Opioids
- Stimulants
- Blood pressure medications
Transportation
- You must arrange a ride home.
- You may not drive, bike, or operate machinery the same day as treatment.
- Ride-share services are acceptable only if approved by your clinic.
Health Status
- Notify the clinic if you are experiencing:
- Illness, fever, or infection
- Significant anxiety or panic symptoms
- Changes in blood pressure
- Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
During Your Treatment
- SPRAVATO is self-administered as a nasal spray under staff supervision.
- You will remain in the clinic for at least 2 hours for monitoring.
- You may experience:
- Dissociation or feeling “detached”
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sleepiness Changes in perception
- These effects are expected and temporary.
- Staff will monitor your blood pressure, comfort, and safety throughout the visit.
After Your SPRAVATO Treatment
Same-Day Restrictions
- For the rest of the day, do NOT:
- Drive or operate vehicles
- Use heavy machinery
- Make important decisions
- Consume alcohol
- Engage in strenuous activity
- Plan to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day.
Eating & Hydration
- You may resume eating once nausea has resolved.
- Start with light foods and hydrate slowly.
Emotional & Mental Effects
- Mood changes, emotional sensitivity, or fatigue can occur.
- Some patients feel calm, reflective, or emotionally open.
- If distressing thoughts or symptoms arise, contact the clinic.
When to Call the Clinic
- Contact your provider if you experience:
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe headache
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Severe anxiety or confusion
- Worsening depression or suicidal thoughts
Important Reminders
- SPRAVATO must be taken only in a certified clinic under the REMS program.
- Consistency with scheduled treatments improves outcomes.
- SPRAVATO works best when combined with:
- An oral antidepressant
- Therapy or integration support
- Healthy sleep, nutrition, and follow-up care