Starting Spravato® (esketamine) therapy is a powerful step toward relief from treatment-resistant depression. But what happens after your appointment matters just as much as what happens during it. Understanding how to care for yourself in the first 24 hours after treatment can make your experience safer, smoother, and more effective.
At Blue Water Psychiatry, we provide compassionate, medically supervised Spravato® therapy in our Mesa, Arizona clinic — helping adults across the Phoenix Valley find new hope through this innovative approach. Here’s what to expect and how to take care of yourself after each session.
What Happens During a Spravato® Session
Spravato® is a prescription nasal spray containing esketamine, an FDA-approved medication for adults with depression that hasn’t improved with standard antidepressants. Each session takes place under direct medical supervision in our clinic.
During your visit:
- You’ll self-administer the nasal spray under provider guidance.
- We’ll monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and comfort level for at least two hours.
- Many patients describe mild dizziness, dissociation, or feeling “dreamlike,” which typically resolves before leaving.
- You’ll need a trusted person to drive you home afterward — driving or operating heavy machinery is not allowed until the following day.
Once your session ends, your body and mind begin the healing process. What you do next can help maximize the benefits.
The First 4 Hours: Rest and Hydration
After your appointment, plan to take it easy for the rest of the day. Your brain has just undergone a significant neurochemical shift — rest helps it recover and integrate.
Recommended:
- Go home and relax in a calm, comfortable environment.
- Stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks.
- Eat a light, balanced meal once your appetite returns.
- Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, or new medications unless prescribed.
- Spend time in quiet or low-stimulation activities — reading, gentle music, or watching something calming.
Many patients report feeling physically tired but emotionally lighter or more reflective after treatment. Rest is part of the healing process.
The Next 8–12 Hours: Let Your Mind Reset
During this phase, your brain continues to process the effects of esketamine, which can include changes in mood, perception, and awareness.
What to do:
- Allow time for your thoughts and emotions to settle naturally.
- Journal if you feel inspired — capturing insights can be helpful for therapy later.
- Avoid making major decisions or engaging in high-stress activities.
- Continue avoiding driving or heavy machinery until the next day.
It’s also common to feel slightly disoriented, “foggy,” or fatigued during this window. These sensations typically fade within hours.
The First Night: Prioritize Sleep
By evening, most patients feel back to normal. However, fatigue, mild nausea, or mental fog can persist, especially after early sessions. Sleep is one of the best ways to support your brain’s recovery and allow the medication’s benefits to take hold.
Tips for better sleep after Spravato®:
- Stick to your usual bedtime routine.
- Avoid screens for 30–60 minutes before bed.
- Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
- Try light stretching or deep breathing to relax.
Some patients notice a lift in mood or reduced negative thought patterns within 24 hours — while others experience more gradual improvement over several sessions.
The Following Morning: Monitor and Reflect
By the next day, Spravato® is fully metabolized, and you can safely return to normal activities, including driving and work (if you feel well enough).
Take a few minutes to reflect:
- How did you sleep?
- How do your thoughts and mood feel compared to before treatment?
- Any side effects such as headache or mild nausea?
Keeping notes on how you feel helps your provider fine-tune your dose and schedule for future sessions.
When to Call Your Provider
While Spravato® is generally well-tolerated, contact your provider if you experience:
- Prolonged dizziness or nausea beyond 24 hours
- Unusual mood changes or worsening depression
- Elevated blood pressure symptoms (headache, chest pain, vision changes)
- Confusion or disorientation that doesn’t resolve overnight
At Blue Water Psychiatry, we maintain open communication with all Spravato® patients to ensure your experience is safe and effective every step of the way.
Why Arizona Patients Choose Blue Water Psychiatry for Spravato®
- Certified Spravato® treatment center with private, comfortable rooms
- Board-certified psychiatric providers specializing in treatment-resistant depression
- Comprehensive care including medication management, therapy, and EMDR for trauma
- Flexible scheduling for busy professionals and families
- Same-week availability for new Spravato® evaluations
- Locally trusted and highly rated across Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and the East Valley
We provide supportive, medically supervised care that prioritizes safety, comfort, and results — helping you heal on your own timeline.
Start Feeling Better with Supportive Aftercare
Spravato® offers new possibilities for people who haven’t found relief with traditional antidepressants. With the right aftercare, your recovery can be smoother and your results more sustainable.
Our team at Blue Water Psychiatry will guide you through every step — from your first dose to your follow-up and beyond — so you always feel safe, informed, and supported.
📞 Call today at (480) 758-4698 to schedule your free estimate!
