It is understandable to feel interested in ketamine treatment and nervous about the appointment itself. You may be wondering whether you will feel in control, how much time to set aside, or what happens once you go home.

The details depend on the treatment you receive. Spravato nasal spray and other ketamine protocols differ, so the first step is knowing exactly which option your clinician recommends. Ask for instructions specific to that treatment rather than relying on someone else’s experience.

Before treatment: start with an evaluation

A psychiatric evaluation helps determine whether the proposed treatment is appropriate. Expect to discuss current symptoms, previous treatments, medications, and medical history. Be open about alcohol or substance use, pregnancy or pregnancy plans, and any history of unusually elevated mood, psychosis, or cardiovascular problems.

Bring a medication list that includes supplements and as-needed prescriptions. If you cannot remember every past antidepressant, bring what you have. Pharmacy records or notes from a previous clinician may help fill in the gaps.

Ask the practical questions as well. How long should you reserve for each visit? What monitoring is provided? Who can you contact afterward? What costs are expected? Understanding these details can make the first appointment feel less unfamiliar.

Preparing for the appointment

Arrange transportation home and ask what support the clinic recommends for the rest of the day. If you have caregiving responsibilities, plan for someone else to handle them while you are recovering.

Follow the clinic’s instructions about food, drinks, and medications. For Spravato, the prescribing information advises avoiding food for at least two hours and liquids for at least 30 minutes before administration. Other protocols may have different preparation requirements. Do not skip or change medication unless your treating clinician tells you to.

It is also reasonable to tell the team what worries you. You do not need to arrive feeling calm or already familiar with the process.

During treatment: medication and monitoring

Spravato is self-administered as a nasal spray under a healthcare professional’s direct supervision in a certified setting. Other protocols may use a different route, such as an IV infusion or injection. Confirm which route is being offered.

Possible experiences include sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, or a sense of detachment from your body or surroundings. Some people find perceptual changes unsettling. Tell the team if you are uncomfortable or feel unwell.

Monitoring is an essential part of care. Ketamine-related treatments can affect blood pressure, alertness, and breathing. With Spravato, observation lasts at least two hours, followed by an assessment of whether you are ready to leave. A different protocol may require a different visit length.

After treatment: give recovery time its own place in the plan

Being cleared to leave does not mean you are ready to drive or resume every responsibility. For Spravato, driving and operating machinery must wait until the next day after restful sleep. Follow your clinician’s specific restrictions for any other ketamine treatment.

Keep the rest of the day manageable. Ask the clinic what symptoms should prompt a call and what should prompt urgent care. Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, chest pain, or other severe symptoms.

In the days that follow, note changes you want to discuss at follow-up. You do not need to decide whether the entire treatment was worthwhile before you have even left the office.

Preparing for care at Meah

Meah Modern Psychiatry offers Spravato and a personalized cash-pay ketamine option in Colorado Springs. A free 15-minute consultation can help you understand the next steps toward an evaluation and what questions to bring.