Spravato for Depression User Reviews

• Infor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2019

"People need to understand that no one is the same and that everyone will have different reactions. Take me for example (then compare it to the experiences of others): Diagnosis: MDD & CPTSD Dose: 84 mg Duration: 4+ months Prior use of psychedelics: None As for me, I’ve found substantial relief for the first time ever (42 years of age). I’ve had 2 experiences of disassociation, which were extremely pleasant, controllable and very mild, at best. At no time have I had any “out-of-body” experiences; no dizziness; no side effects at all — other than mild sedation afterwards (for approximately 20-30 minutes). TMS did not work, nor did ECT or DBT. Ketamine infusions worked well, that is until I developed severe UTIs, kidney stones, and a PSA level of 9.8! I could go on and on, but the point of this review is to show the lack of correlation between my experience and those of others. BOTTOM LINE: WHEN IT COMES TO MENTAL HEALTH, NEVER TAKE THE ADVICE OF ONLINE REVIEWS."

• Steph...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2020

"Details: a medium intranasal dose twice a week in office for a month, followed by a high dose once a week. Not a cure. If you stop, your depression will return. Experience: spray a mist of Spravato into each nostril while at the office. You then need to wait two hours to be monitored for the effects to wear off. For me, the first 20 minutes are unpleasant, like a psychedelic trip that is a bit too strong. Due to COVID-19, I cannot bring anyone with me, so I listen to guided meditations. I have vomited on the higher dose, but an accompanying Zofran has helped tremendously. In my bag: water bottle, crackers, hard candy, a book. The nasal spray drips down your throat and tastes terrible. Results: Spravato has helped me tremendously. I am 36, and have had depression since I was 12. I have tried many medications, with only minor results (including TMS). The appointments are unpleasant for me, but they are worth it for the relief. It was about two months before I saw results."

• Austi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2019

"Spravato has been miraculous for me. The day after my third treatment (first at 84 mg) I felt the darkness lifting. My depression score went from severe depression to mild mood disturbance. I haven’t felt normal in six years. Tried dozens of meds, and nothing. I’m still not 100%, but so much better. I don’t dread my life anymore. The crushing sadness is gone. I know everyone responds differently, but for me it’s been life-changing."

• Sprav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2019

"I think people who are taking Spravato should read the wealth of information from the maker. I have severe anxiety. It does not assist with anxiety. If you have a doctor giving you Spravato for severe anxiety, that’s insane! Spravato is for depression only. Take the dose, relax, and you absolutely want to be alone, lights off, and listen to music YOU LIKE. Do not sit in a lighted room with the clinician. They will come and check on you. I do not recommend you bring a family member while the medication is working. If you can stand, go to the bathroom if you have to. If you can’t stand, ask for help. Having to use the bathroom takes the entire process of reprogramming your brain away. Urination - yes, it is more difficult on Spravato. Going #2 - You're not supposed to eat food at least 2 hours before taking meds. Is it worth it? Yes! Does it last forever? No, but as I get more and more doses, it is working longer and longer. I hope this helps someone else."

• rosal
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2021

"My mom started Spravato last January 2020, 1st dose was like a miracle happened. She had about 10 more dose from Febuary 2020 until Sept 2020 and it worked amazing. The last 2 doses which was 1 in the end of Aug, and 1st week in Sept, it has been a nightmare until now March 2021. She would normally doze off after the nasal spray was administered. the last 2 doses she woke up from the treatment with anxiety that was out of control, and has not been able to really control it. She is now at an inpatient, they have tried 4 different meds, and nothing is working. She doesn't get any relief from ativan, valium, klonopin, xanax, and any other antidepressants. she does sleep a few hours a night , but as soon as she wakes up, is literally shaking with anxiety. It is so sad to watch. I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced anything similar. Any advice would be helpful."

• MISSY
• October 31, 2020

"I have mixed feelings about this drug. This has taken the suicidal thoughts and squashed it, My depression is very little I really don't like the treatment - feeling spaced out for 45 mins. I've had high heart rate, dizzy, sickness, headaches, The BIGGEST most important part of this treatment is take no medications the night before and day of treatment, don't drink the night before or you will pay for it with super sickness and panic attacks and high heart rate. Everyone is different with this treatment don't think its going to be fun cuz its not. But verses being dead, it was worth the try!! I had to find this out on my own, the Drs don't tell you much about what and what not to do when you take this medication. Most important put yourself in a calm state during, I found playing soft music is a must, and try not to get up during or it will cause you to be dizzy and sick. Wait at least 45 mins after when it wears off. I hope this helps someone."

• AME
• November 18, 2020

"I have been doing Spravato treatments for approximately 10 weeks (for bipolar) and I, and everyone who knows me, have seen a wonderful improvement in mood and energy. Prior to starting treatments, I had been sleeping 16+ hours a day and had little motivation to accomplish even basic self-care. Now my sleep is about 9 hours a night and I wake up ready to set and accomplish goals. Having bipolar disorder, I am hypervigilant about not getting manic and so far no manic episodes, just healthy increased energy. Due to my improved condition, I am currently enrolled in three online courses which I am thoroughly enjoying - this would not have been fathomable just three short months ago. Yes, the 2 hours during treatment can be a bit "trippy"and uncomfortable, and I agree with other posters, surround yourself with comforting, soothing things. Listen to soft music, wear comfortable clothes or watch uplifting videos."

• South...
• June 19, 2021

"During my first session, I was given a two squirt dose up each nostril. The psychIatric nurse practitioner handed me the nasal spray bottle and I was instructed to do one squirt up each nasal passage. Five minutes later I was given another bottle of Spravato, dosing one squirt up each side of my nose. Within a few minutes, I sensed clarity. My mind was open. My racing thoughts completely ceased. I was in the moment. The nurse took my blood pressure before I dosed, one hour later & before I left. There were no issues. From beginning to end is just over two hours. You also can't drive yourself to the appointment. Someone must bring you there & take you home. The second visit I was given a total of three squirts up each nasal passage, also five minutes apart. It's like a bottle of nasal saline solution. Similar to taking Afrin. It's simple. The feeling is instant & eventually tapers off. It's an eye opening, altering smooth ride. I was awake the entire time. Racing thoughts ceased."

• Capti...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 3, 2020

"I started in December and put it simply it saved my life. It took about six weeks and I've also been taking Prozac and some supplements which have also helped. for the first time in my life I feel like I can function normally. I would be a poster child for this drug if I could."

• Jano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2020

"On Spravato I felt like I was going to die. It took 4 minutes to kick in. I couldn’t feel my face, couldn’t speak, couldn’t breathe, the room was spinning, music felt far away even though I had headphones in. I heard the ocean. I was sweating/ felt like I was sinking, mind racing, nauseous. I felt like I was strapped to a Ferris wheel that wouldn’t stop spinning/falling really fast. I was crying & sweating, 22 minutes in I had a ringing in my ear. It gave me a headache. I couldn’t hear my music anymore, that scared me. I couldn’t move. I was crying for my mom. It was really scary. I don’t feel 100% back to normal today (appointment was yesterday). I feel lethargic- spacey with no appetite. I feel sad/disappointed that this didn’t work. This was literally the last thing to try treatment wise. I have to go back to doing TMS everyday. Please don’t try this unless it’s your LAST resort."

• Jimmy
• September 6, 2020

"Been on 84mg for over a year. Cutting to every two weeks soon. It's more intense than the IV version and nowhere near as good as micro dosing mushrooms. Sorry Janssen. Waiting for the phase 3 trials of psylocybin to complete and I'm all in. I want a cure, not games."

• Baldfun
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2020

"After being on 6 different anti depressants and doing 6 weeks of TMS with no relief from my depression I was prescribed Spravato. I completed 4 weeks of treatments of 84mg 2 times per week, 4 weeks of treatments one times per week and one treatment every other week. I have had no relief from my depression. I feel like the effectiveness of this drug was over hyped. It was expensive and time consuming and very disappointing to have no results."

• mdwsr
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 5, 2019

"I’ve finished my first 4 weeks of Spravato treatment at 2x per week. I went up to the 84mg dose on the 4th trip. Amazing experience, be prepared as well as you can ahead of time because it is intense. Mixed results so far but I have hope. I highly suggest you have a strong support system in place beforehand because you will need it. I unfortunately did not and I think that had a negative affect on my response. I spent one week totally alone I saw nobody except for my ride and my time in treatment. I definitely don’t recommend that for any of you and hope you have better success. The first week was like a miracle so I still have hope. It’s kind of a last ditch effort so I’m still hopeful."

• KBano
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 16, 2020

"Spravto Let’s just say this is when you have tried everything else and you still need help. If you think this is just a way to get high your wrong. Although my one and only bad experience out of 40 treatments was pretty Psychedelic. I just didn’t know where I was. My doctor was nervous. Otherwise this drug has worked very well for me in certain areas. My suicidal thoughts have lessoned by half. Depression down a quarter. This is a new drug so they are still working on it."

• Hope
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2019

"TRD (treatment resistant depression) for 30 years, have tried everything and will continue to try this. Was on 56mg 2x week for a month (eventually I had no immediate reaction as my body got used to the drug - lingering tiredness, so I did the treatments in the late afternoon) and have had 3 treatments with 84mg. First two of 84mg were fine - trippy, slight visual disturbance but I was able to recognize that this was the drug and not me - felt like I smoked a ton of pot or something. Yesterday was the 3rd treatment of 84mg. I went into appointment very upset and stressed, and coupled with the Spravato, had a dissociative episode. I started to cry and then boom: sobbing, no idea who I was, where I was, visual disturbance so couldn't see correctly, was paranoid, untrusting - I have never been so terrified in all my life. So far, no depression reduction, which saddens me, and I'm scared to have another trip like I did yesterday."

• Presto
• March 18, 2021

"Well, I've skimmed the comments here so far. As expected, Spravato has a varied effect on various people. I have my 1st treatment tomorrow. I've managed major depression officially since the mid 90s & probably before. I've been prescribed almost every antidepressant & combo available. I've also had ECT, inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, weekly therapy sessions, etc. Spravato seems like a logical next step to try now as it's been FDA approved for 2 yrs now. I'll try to remember to update here as my regimen progresses."

• Riley...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2021

"I started taking Spravato in September 2019, I was hoping it would help with depression and bipolar and PTSD. I completely changed into another person, I went into major psychosis and ended up in the psych ward five times at the end of December to mid February. It was horrific and terrifying. I have lingering psychosis and it’s been two years. I scared the shot out of my family and there isn’t a day that goes by that it doesn’t scare me that this feeling will never go away. I also had gotten the flu really bad when I was hospitalised and had delusions I could write a book about, I would say not to take it but everyone is different. Has anyone else had a scary reaction that has lasted two years? Has anyone else gone into major psychosis ( I felt I was gone a million years and saw Jesus and god and aliens, I also believed the world was gone and Everyone was dead)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2023

"I felt ok first 2 times on lower dose. I felt like I would not want a higher dose. I felt a bit out of it, and anxious, but not terribly so. On the third visit I was encouraged to take the next higher dose. I was assured by staff they would be able to help and support if anything was too much. Well after 3 or 4 minutes following the final spray I felt incredible intensity of pure deathly fear rising higher and higher. I tried to listen to meditation and do some breathing techniques. NOTHING made me feel better. I just kept feeling worse. I could not remember who I was or how to move my body and felt like I had severe dementia for a while. I forgot my life, and what my phone was, and I was afraid I would never come back to who I was. Then I just felt like I would die. My heart felt like it would explode. I literally felt I needed medical help. The staff person stayed for a little while, then left me. Even when I told them I needed help and clearly was in distress... Never again."

• Satis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2022

"I have taken over 35 psychiatric medications over the past 30 plus years and have tried non-medicinal options as well. I have had electroconvulsive therapy, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, and more. I have been labeled treatment resistant and usually only felt a kind of "dulling" when I took antidepressants. Yes, some negative emotions would abate a tad, but good emotions would also be numbed. With Spravato, the difference between traditional antidepressants is night and day. Instead of dulling emotions, they are enhanced. Ordinarily, this would be difficult for me, as emotions generally overwhelmed me. In the case of Spravato, I find myself able to not only handle, but to enjoy my emotions. As somebody who has never had psychiatric medications offer much help EVER, this is like a miracle. It is the first antidepressant I have ever taken that I would call effective."

• Cat
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2020

"I have Bipolar, untreatable depression, BPD. I have done esketamine as both IV and Spravato. Spravato is a waste of time and money. After going through the initial 8 week transition, I was in for Spravato almost every other week where I was in for IV once a month to as long as every 6 weeks. The side effects were horrible, headache, exhaustion for a day or 2 and not knowing where I was. This drug was barely vetted by the FDA with only 80 test subjects in their group. IV ketamine has years of use and they know it works, but because there is zero money to be made they will never approve it so our insurance will pay for it"

• Anonymous
• August 1, 2019

"So I posted that I had spravato at the 56mg for 3 sessions but felt the same. So I am at treatment number 6 at 84mg and I am finally noticing a difference. I used to be an avid runner and stopped and pretty much rotted on my couch since January. Well last week I began running again and feel a bit of the depression lifting. I do not in any ways feel cured but I do feel a little better. I am hoping with the few more sessions I will keep on improving. What I am nervous about is the efficacy of this because to have to go once a week is very expensive... good luck to everyone there is hope!!!!!"

• PNWSp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2021

"This drug has been nothing short of a miracle for me. My biggest fear is that I go back to being depressed again! I really enjoyed the ‘high’ I get. I listen to music. I suggest jazz with no vocals. Lay back, close your eyes, and RELAX! It messes with your sense of time for me. When they come in at 40 minutes to do your BP, sometimes I feel it’s only been 5 mins. I’m mad because they interrupt my mind vacation! Once they take your BP you can’t go back to the ‘high’. I know it’s working because I have had very stressful things happen in the last month. Before Spravato I would be freaking out!!! I would be arguing with everyone, cussing out customer service people. But I was able to maintain my composure and work through the issues. If you have some drain back, I have never tasted something as awful! So ask for some water before you administer it. And that is the only bad thing I can say about it. I hope that it works for you as well as it has worked for me!"

• SPF
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 3, 2019

"I'm finding Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) more effective but I'm continuing to use both together. If you want to skip the rubbish go for straight Ketamine. That stuff is amazing. It's going to cost you $$. I've used Ketamine once prior to Spravato and that was the best I've felt in 45 years."

• anony...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2019

"I had my first experience with Spravato yesterday and the side effects were just awful. Felt extremely drunk--dissociation, severe nausea and sweating, dizziness, tiredness. Could barely make it home (I got a ride) and get myself into bed to lie there for the rest of the night. The next morning--extremely tired, nauseous. Felt hungover. No affect on my TRD (treatment resistant depression after 1 treatment. I will continue as long as I can stand it because I am pretty much out of options. But I am dreading it more than I did with ECT."

• Danch...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2020

"When I read about Spravato I was so excited. I had failed TMS and multiple oral medications so this new format of spraying something directly into your brain. Initially I had a great amount of disassociation for the first hour, which gradually dissipated. The day of the treatment I felt great, but then it seemed to just go away. While on it I had increased suicidal ideations. I was also hospitalized 2 months later with pneumonia and fluid in my lower left lung. THESE TWO COULD HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO RELATION TO EACH OTHER. But after that I elected to stop taking Spravato. I think it is very promising but it is too new to have a history and I’m done being the guinea pig"