What is Spravato® ?

Spravato® (esketamine) is a prescription nasal spray approved by the FDA for adults living with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or major depression with suicidal thoughts. It’s designed for people who haven’t found relief from other antidepressants—and offers a new approach to treatment that works differently in the brain.

Unlike most antidepressants that target serotonin or other traditional pathways, Spravato acts on the glutamate system, which may help create new connections in the brain related to mood and emotional regulation. For some, this can lead to noticeable improvement—even when other medications haven’t helped.

Spravato is not a take-home medication. Because it can cause side effects like dizziness, dissociation, or sleepiness, it must be taken in a certified treatment center like ours, under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals. Each session involves a brief nasal spray treatment followed by a period of monitored rest and observation—typically around two hours.

Many patients begin to notice a shift after the first few sessions, though responses vary. At our center, we’re here to guide you through the process, answer any questions, and support your journey toward healing.  

Breaking Through Therapeutics is designed to optimize your experience with Spravato by offering comfortable, customizable private rooms.

What Does Spravato Feel Like?

Spravato® affects everyone a little differently, but many people describe the experience as feeling calm, detached, or dreamlike for a short period of time after taking the nasal spray. Some notice a sense of mental clarity or emotional release, while others may feel drowsy or mildly disoriented. Additionally, some patients may feel nauseated during treatment.

These effects are temporary and usually begin within minutes of administration, peaking within the first 40 minutes to an hour. Some common short-term experiences may include:

• A floating or “out-of-body” sensation
  

• Changes in perception (such as how time or space feels)
  

• Mild dissociation or detachment from thoughts or surroundings
  

• Feeling more relaxed or emotionally open
  

• Nausea

While the experience can be unusual at first, most patients become more comfortable with each session. Our clinical team is there to support you every step of the way

What to Expect During a Session

Each Spravato® treatment session follows a calm, structured process in a comfortable setting. Here’s what to expect:

Arrival & Check-In

You'll be welcomed by our team and go through a brief check-in, including reviewing how you've been feeling and checking your vital signs.

Administration

Spravato® is self-administered as a nasal spray under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The process is simple and takes just a few minutes.

Observation Period

After taking Spravato®, you’ll relax in a quiet room for about 2 hours while our staff monitors you. You’re free to bring headphones, a journal, or just rest. Some people prefer to sit quietly with their thoughts, while others enjoy calming music or guided meditations.

Monitoring for Effects

During this time, we’ll periodically check on you to ensure your comfort and safety. Any dissociative or drowsy feelings usually fade by the end of the session.

After the Session

Once you're feeling steady and your vital signs have returned to baseline, you’ll be discharged to go home with a pre-arranged ride. You won’t be able to drive for the rest of the day, so please plan ahead.

After Treatment: What Happens Next?

Most people return to their normal routines by the next day. You might feel a little tired afterward or need some quiet time. Emotionally, some patients report subtle improvements early on, while others may need a few sessions before noticing significant changes.

Spravato® is typically administered twice a week for the first month, then less frequently as you progress. We’ll work closely with you and your primary mental health provider to track your response and make sure the treatment plan is right for you.