Spravato has become increasingly popular as a treatment for patients who experience treatment-resistant depression.
Taken in tandem with an oral anti-depressant, this esketamine nasal spray can make significant headway in treating patients who do not get full relief from traditional treatments for depression, including antidepressants and/or psychotherapy and need an additional treatment to pair with it.
As with any medication, however, Spravato can cause some side effects, especially in the short-term right after taking the medication. How can you better manage the short-term side effects of this medication?
1. Always take Spravato in a monitored, medical setting.
While Spravato is self-administered, it is always taken in the presence of your medical professional. This is to ensure that the medication is administered optimally and so you have the safest possible experience.
Some patients may experience dissociation after taking Spravato, for example. Being in a monitored setting is one of the best ways to ensure that you have a positive experience and remain safe immediately after taking the medication.
You should plan on remaining under your doctor’s supervision for at least 2 hours after taking Spravato. If you do feel any side effects or feel light-headed, alert your doctor.
2. Avoid driving for up to a day after taking Spravato.
Common side effects of Spravato can include dizziness, sedation, and dissociation. All of these side effects can make it dangerous for you to drive or operate machinery.
You should always make sure you have someone to drive you home after taking Spravato under the supervision of your doctor. In fact, it is recommended that patients avoid driving or operating any kind of machinery for the entire day after taking Spravato, and should begin driving or operating machinery the next day only if they have managed to get a full night’s sleep.
3. Abstain from eating and drinking for some time before and after your Spravato session.
For a few patients, taking Spravato may result in nausea and vomiting shortly after self-administration. To minimize these side effects, it is recommended that you:
- Avoid eating for at least 2 hours before taking Spravato
- Avoid drinking for up to 30 minutes after taking Spravato
This can help ameliorate these side effects; if either nausea or vomiting does occur, it should be a bit more manageable.
4. Work in close consultation with your doctor if you have a history of addiction.
One reason administration of Spravato is closely monitored is the risk of addiction associated with the medication. If you have a history of addiction, consult your doctor beforehand and maintain complete transparency with your physician about your medical and psychiatric history.
5. Watch your blood pressure if you have a history of high blood pressure.
Spravato has been found to cause a temporary rise in blood pressure in some patients. This side effect may last for as long as 4 hours after you take Spravato. Your doctor will take your blood pressure before you take Spravato and intermittently throughout the 2-hour observation period after administration.
Be sure to alert your doctor if you experience a sudden headache or change in your vision, or if you get chest pains and have trouble breathing.
Spravato offers a wealth of benefits to patients who have experienced the frustration of treatment resistant depression. While it can come with some side effects, especially in the short term, these side effects are easily managed with the right steps and by working in close consultation with your trained medical professional.