Starting esketamine (Spravato) can feel like stepping onto a new path: structured, supervised, and tailored to you. Below is a clear view of what early weeks commonly look like in a Spravato clinic — how clinic days run, how to plan logistics, and what changes some people notice during Spravato treatment.
Something to note, too, is that the majority of the content of this walkthrough also applies to intramuscular ketamine injections that Lumin Health offers for those whom esketamine (Spravato) is not an ideal method of ketamine administration.
The first month at a glance (typical cadence)
Many programs begin with more frequent visits and then space out over time based on your response. This is in line with the FDA-published guidelines for treatment:
- Weeks 1–4 (Induction): Often 2 clinic visits per week for Spravato treatment.
- Weeks 5–8 (Consolidation): Commonly 1 visit per week in the Spravato clinic.
- After week 8 (Maintenance): Every 1–2 weeks as needed, individualized to your pattern.
Your exact plan is set with your care team. If symptoms return sooner, spacing may tighten; if relief holds, spacing may widen.
What a Spravato clinic day feels like (step-by-step)
- Arrival & check-in: You’ll review any interval changes, confirm a ride home, and have baseline vitals checked. Staff re-explain the day: no driving, light schedule after Spravato treatment.
- Preparation: A private, low-stimulus room; brief guidance on positioning and breathing. You’ll practice the intranasal steps with staff.
- Dosing under supervision: Spravato is self-administered under direct healthcare provider supervision. You’ll remain seated or reclined, depending on your preference. Staff monitor comfort, blood pressure, and overall response.
- Observation period: You’ll stay at Lumin Health for observation — expect unhurried monitoring, hydration, and check-ins. Many patients describe feeling “floaty,” drowsy, or a bit detached; these acute effects will fade in time, but everyone metabolizes ketamine differently so our Lumin Health team of experts will be closely monitoring you throughout.
- Ride home & rest: Plan minimal activity, regular fluids, and an early wind-down. It’s imperative to not operate heavy machinery all day, so no driving the rest of the day and please arrange a ride home from Lumin Health.
Planning rides and your schedule around esketamine (Spravato) treatment
- Arrange transportation in advance for every Lumin Health visit. Rides home are standard safety practice during Spravato treatment.
- Keep the day light. Lumin Health recommends not making any major decisions, or running heavy errands. Low stimulation helps early changes consolidate.
- Set up simple supports at home (water bottle, snack, soft lighting, a calm playlist) so you can land smoothly.
What some people notice in the first weeks following esketamine
During or just after esketamine (Spravato) sessions
- Body sensations: tired, mildly dizzy, or “spacious.”
- Perception shifts: colors/sounds a touch brighter, inner noise a bit quieter.
- Emotions: easier access to feelings, or a calm uplift that’s time-limited.
Between esketamine (Spravato) sessions
- Subtle functional gains: starting tasks more easily, steadier sleep, fewer spirals.
- Occasional side effects: brief nausea or blood-pressure changes — monitored and supported in the Spravato clinic. These side effects are usually short lived.
Relief can be uneven at first. Many patients find that small, repeatable steps in the 24–72 hours after dosing help early momentum become more predictable & durable.
Using the early weeks well: simple, repeatable actions
- Sleep: gentle wind-down, consistent bedtime.
- Meals: regular, familiar food to steady energy.
- Movement: brief walks or stretching — intensity is not required.
- One 10-minute behavior to practice: a short journaling prompt, texting a supportive friend, or taking a brief meditation.
These low-friction routines are easy to pair with Spravato treatment and often make benefits easier to hold between visits.
FAQs
How long will I be at Lumin Health on treatment days?
Plan for several hours, including check-in, dosing, and observation. Your Spravato clinic team will give exact timing based on your dose and response.
Can I work the rest of the day after taking esketamine (Spravato)?
Most people keep the rest of the day light. No driving, no critical decisions. Many resume regular activities the next day. Everyone responds differently.
When might I notice changes following esketamine (Spravato)?
Some notice shifts within hours or days; for others it takes multiple sessions. Intensity varies. Consistent routines and clear communication with your Spravato clinic can help your team adjust cadence.
What if I feel nothing — or too much after esketamine (Spravato) sessions?
Both can happen. Tell your care team. Dosing, timing, or supportive measures can be adjusted so Spravato treatment fits your nervous system more comfortably.
Esketamine (Spravato) at Lumin Health: A tailored pace for meaningful change
The first weeks of esketamine (Spravato) are structured for safety and learning: reliable rides, calm clinic days, and close communication. Inside that structure, many patients discover small but meaningful openings — moments when life feels more workable. At Lumin Health, we aim for that steady, humane pace: let Spravato treatment do its clinical work while you practice one or two actions that make the benefits more lived-in. In a well-run Spravato clinic, this combination often turns early momentum into something you can keep.
