For many people living with treatment-resistant depression, finding something that truly works can feel like a long, exhausting journey. If you’ve tried two or more antidepressants without relief, Spravato® (esketamine) may offer new hope, and at Cantera Psychiatry in San Antonio, we’ve designed a safe, comfortable environment to help you make the most of your treatment experience.
Here’s what you can expect inside our Spravato treatment room, from your arrival to the moment you head home feeling supported and cared for.
A Calm, Private Space for Healing
When you arrive for your Spravato® session, you’ll be welcomed into a quiet, private treatment room designed for relaxation and peace of mind. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable and at ease, physically and mentally, throughout the process.
Before treatment begins, a member of our medical team will check your blood pressure and review how you’re feeling that day to ensure you’re ready to begin safely. During your session, which lasts about two hours, we’ll continue to monitor your blood pressure and overall well-being as the medication takes effect.
Spravato® is an FDA-approved intranasal form of ketamine that, when combined with oral antidepressants, has been shown to be more effective in treating treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder than oral antidepressants alone. Each treatment is carefully supervised by our team, providing both safety and support in a calm, therapeutic environment.
A Step-by-Step Guide of The Spravato Treatment Process
1. Administration
You’ll self-administer the Spravato nasal spray under the guidance of a trained medical professional. If you’re unsure about doing it yourself, don’t worry, your provider will remain with you throughout the process, offering reassurance and monitoring your response to ensure everything goes smoothly.
2. Relaxation and Monitoring
After administration, you’ll relax in a comfortable couch for at least two hours while our team monitors your blood pressure and overall well-being. During this time, many patients experience a sense of calm or a dreamlike state, this is completely normal and part of how Spravato works.
To help you feel even more comfortable, you may be offered a blanket or eye mask, or you can bring something familiar from home. Some patients enjoy listening to music, a podcast, or a guided meditation during their session.
3. Common Sensations
It’s common to feel lightheaded, detached, or drowsy during treatment, sensations that typically fade as your body processes the medication. By the end of your two-hour monitoring period, most patients feel stable and relaxed enough to head home safely (with a designated driver).
After Your Spravato Session
Because Spravato can cause temporary drowsiness and affect coordination, you’ll need someone to drive you home after your appointment. It’s also best to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until the following day.
Most people describe the rest of their day as one of calm reflection, many even report a noticeable lightness or clarity following their sessions. Your care team will discuss how you’re feeling before you leave and help you prepare for your next session.
How Often You’ll Come In
Spravato treatment plans are individualized, but they typically begin with twice-weekly sessions for the first four weeks. After that, the frequency gradually tapers as your symptoms improve, moving to weekly, and eventually to maintenance visits every few weeks as needed.
Your provider will work closely with you to determine the schedule that fits your needs and ensures you’re getting the most benefit from each session.
A Supportive, Safe Environment, Every Step of the Way
At Cantera Psychiatry, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Every Spravato treatment takes place under medical supervision in a serene, supportive setting, one designed to promote both relaxation and healing.
If you’ve struggled to find relief from depression, Spravato may help you experience progress where other treatments haven’t. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you take the next step toward feeling like yourself again.
Ready to learn more about Spravato treatment in San Antonio?
Contact Cantera Psychiatry today to schedule a consultation or to ask questions about whether Spravato might be right for you.
