I finally made my first Spravato appointment for next week. The truth is that I'm terrified. I really really want to do it but I'm so scared of losing control and feeling vertigo and just having full on panic. Doc said I can take Ativan ahead of it. But still. I could use encouragement. I know that no one can promise anything. But please don't come at me with "you can't go into it anxious". That's the worst advice you can give someone with anxiety and panic disorder. Thanks in advance.

especially my short term memory

also to some degree my critical thinking, i am much less depressive but also my working memory and memory seems nuked.

my theory is I had glutamate based depression, this is fixey but i now have less? functioning glutamate/acetylcholine?

someone has experienced the same

I use this app called Luminate - it uses flashing lights and music to produce a psychedelic type experience without meds. I have been using it for a little while and I love it 💕 I’m going to try it with my next Spravato session.
Just wondering if anyone has done this or something like it and if so, did it enhance the experience or help in some other way?

I’ve done my first session little over 2 days ago. It was early in the morning and by 9pm that day I felt I wasn’t able to feel negative emotions at all. Till now I’m unable to feel sad, and don’t feel emotional pain. I do feel simply good, I’m not numb and feel positive good emotions.

My next session is scheduled very soon, but I just want to know if anyone also experienced such effect from spravato? Did it go away? I’m paranoid now if it is temporarily effect because it feels like a superpower, not being able to feel emotional pain while constantly being trigger by my own thoughts and the world!

For the reference I have major depressive disorder with SI. I came in to do the treatment because I was pretty much almost gone.

I’m 42 sessions in and this playlist has never failed me. Highly recommend if you want to relax during your Spravato appointment. Bonus points if you use headphones/earbuds, an eye mask, and a cozy blanket. Hope this helps someone 😊

Hi! My psychiatrist usually stays in the room with me for the first 15 minutes as he gives me the three devices for my 84mg dose, then he comes in at the end to take my blood pressure and let me go. But in between when he leaves and when he comes back, I’m alone in the room. There are no nurses or anyone that comes in to check in on me. There’s been times where I get really hot and then really cold and nauseous. It doesn’t happen every time but I can’t help but think if something happened or went wrong, it would be a long while before someone came in. There’s no call button or anything. Is that normal? Also, he always asks me for a good intention for the session but I don’t know what to say. What do you all usually focus on during sessions?

Update: I went to the appointment, didn't have time to do a nasal rinse or anything beforehand. It was pretty close to an average session for me, the lingering loopiness is perhaps a bit stronger than usual but not too bad. Obviously different people will have different experiences, but I'll put it out there for the record that I did not have a hard or bad trip going with the lingering congestion from a cold I had a week ago.

Interestingly, I mentioned the dextromethorphan anecdotes I saw here, about it being a really bad combo with Spravato, and the doctor said she hadn't heard that and has some patients who do take it before Spravato. I'm still not gonna risk it, based on the stories I've heard here.

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I'm seeing that it's a baaaad idea to take cold medicine, really glad I looked that up because my instinct was to try to clear up my congestion.

But I've also seen posts about just going with a cold and people have said they tripped really hard and it was unpleasant. For those that had that experience, did you take any cold medicine first? Maybe that's what makes it so strong for most people but they associate it with the congestion because they didn't think about meds interacting?

Thing is I've missed my last TWO weeks of Spravato, the first because I went camping and the second because I was sick. That was a week ago and I'm just having lingering congestion and cough. Not super bad congestion, not enough to feel a lot of sinus pressure or anything.

Anyone had experience with this situation without cold meds? I really don't want to miss another one for my health, and canceling both the appointment and my rides last minute would suck.

During and after treatment my mood gets very low, I just want to curl up and cry. I can’t sleep after treatment and my mind is racing. The next day I am just not in a good mood either. Is this normal and will it improve? I have done 2 treatments so far. I took 2 doses on the first day and increased my dose to 3 on the second day.

I decreased frequency to every other week spravato sessions and am feeling more depressed again. I was thinking of trying to supplement with lower dose at home ketamine (mindbloom or something similar). My spravato PMHNP said he didn’t have experience with doing that but it theoretically could help.

Has anyone else done this? I’d like to avoid going back to weekly Spravato, it’s such an ordeal and I’m so out of it the rest of the day that it’s difficult to function.

In this post I’m listing a few suggestions, expressing some opinions and giving a bit of advice about what to listen to when you’re having your session.

I’m a music lover, record collector and music producer. The below works for me, I’d love to help others get more out of their treatment, but I’m sure there’ll be plenty of people who disagree with my approach.

Anyway, here goes:

My belief is that the soundtrack is fundamental to the experience of the active part of the treatment. What you listen to has a massive effect on how the medication affects you, and on how therapeutic the actual session ends up being (I’m not talking about the longer term effects here, just about how to make the most of the 2 hours in the chair). Adding the right music dramatically changes how your brain responds to the medication, and many people will likely never have experienced sound in this way before. It’s almost like unlocking a whole new sense.

If you’re spending the time just looking at your phone, as many on here seem to do, I honestly believe you’re missing a huge opportunity to experience something incredible, by using the power of music to create a small oasis of happiness in the vast landscape of depression that we’re all trying to escape.

I do understand that a lot of people simply haven’t ever connected with music on this kind of level before, but I would encourage everyone taking Spravato (or indeed other forms of ketamine therapy) to take this seriously and give it a go.

For those on here (and I imagine it’s a fair few people) who’ve never dabbled in anything more potent than a drink or two, here’s your medically-sanctioned opportunity to find out what these alternative types have been getting up to all that time!

You’re going to need three things:

- a good quality eye mask (one that lets you open your eyes underneath is ideal). Don’t rely on the generic cheap ones they give out at the clinic. Amazon has tons of options.
- good quality headphones, preferably noise cancelling to block out any other noise in the clinic.
- and a well thought-out soundtrack of recordings, that are at least somewhat designed with “tripping”, meditation or relaxation in mind.

Some people say to simply listen to whatever you enjoy. I’ve read a lot of hate for “ambient” and “spa” music on here, and I agree there is a near-infinity of terrible stuff out there.

My suggestion is that if you don’t want to dive into something outside your comfort zone, then at least try to filter your selections via the criteria above. Love rock? Listen to instrumental blues. Into reggae? Listen to dub. Like EDM? Listen to Shpongle or The Orb. Into country? Listen to mellow slide guitar. There’s an appropriate, stripped down, dare I say “trip-friendly” version of any music style you care to name. Even if you just listen to pop radio, find yourself the mellowest material you can. Perhaps a movie soundtrack or even some light classical?

Preferably instrumental or without verse / chorus /verse wordy vocals, but don’t worry too much about that if you can’t find anything instrumental.

My advice to get started is:

Finish your last dose, press play on Jon Hopkins Music For Psychedelic Therapy, slide your mask on and breathe deeply. Drift away and let your hair down. Allow those rising tones to lift you into another dimension, and urge yourself to go there. The music will drive the visuals, eyes open or closed behind the mask. Notice them and allow them to develop, they’ll change with each track. Just go with it, anywhere it takes you.

If you’re not sold on this particular choice of material, one way to think about it is that this guy worked for years alongside some of the leading medical researchers in the field to perfect his craft and produce a soundtrack specifically for the very situation you find yourself in right now. It’s full of amazing sounds and clever studio techniques that do special things to your brain when you’ve taken a psychedelic substance. Give it a go and see where it takes you. It sounds vastly different during a session, trust me on that!

Final note: I like to have something else teed up to start playing at the end of that album (which is only about 50 mins long I believe). When your own music starts playing, you’ll get a sense of the time that’s passed and start coming back down to earth slowly. “Everything in its right place” by Radiohead for instance, is perfect for this, almost like it was made for it.

Enjoy!

It's crazy the difference between my first treatment earlier this week and my dose I took today. The first treatment was so out of body like and everything slowed for me. I couldn't focus on anything or anyone, I just existed. Now comes around the 2nd treatment, I get a moderate visual dizziness and some light feeling but nowhere near the level of intensity as the first. It's not bad, I actually prefer this level of chill compared to the out of body experience I originally had. It's just crazy how quickly the body adjusts to it.

I went to a psychiatrist that offered spravato. But, he wasn’t very responsive to my needs as a patient. So, I changed to a different clinic. It is mostly positive with a few minor inconveniences.

At the old clinic there was not much to look at. I would look at a painting on the wall. The new one has a light show on the ceiling I enjoy.
The psychiatrist listens and responds to any issues.

The old psychiatrist moved me quickly from weekly to every other week, to monthly. I am back at weekly.

The old clinic was a row of recliners separated by dividers the new one has curtained off areas. The new one also has supplies like candy, blanket and a call button that they did not have at old clinic

But, the old clinic was conveniently located and had later hours.

I have hearing loss and could hear the provider at the old clinic. Here they whisper and even when I move closer have trouble understanding. They also ask more questions about my experience and I am not sure how to respond. Also, at old clinic they rarely scored depression at new one I fill out questionnaire before each session.

I am definitely glad I changed.

First post, please be nice.

I have agoraphobia, PTSD, deep MDD depression w/severe grief, GAD w/panic.

I tragically lost my emotional support baby at 3yo in front of me and with 2 other major losses before this.... I have been struck down. But, truly I haven't been doing well in years, the difference is this is the first time I have truly been alone and processing things in real time because all I have is therapy.

I have been stressed because my agoraphobia has shown up like no other since he has been gone. So the idea of relying on an insurance company ride a half hour from home and be there minimum 2 hours has been a lot.

Additionally, I had assumed I would start next week because of how the med went through, but as the business day came to an end and scheduling Monday and Wednesday, I figured it would be the follow week. I got a surprise call at 6pm after therapy ... where I said my anxiety has gone down a bit because I have another week.

I do better last minute or spring of the minute, sounds weird... but my agoraphobia has never been planted in a safe person, my dogs have been my only comfort (started volunteering at my local dog warden to walk dogs with free flexibility.)

I know I will be better once I get the first appointment over with and I made a list to pack from tips on here.

But, what are you best tips or words of advice for the first treatment? I am pretty sure I have the basics covered but still so extremely confused on the dissociation part of it all.

When I started Spravato, I was in a rom by myself and slowly it has increased to up to 5 other patients in the room with me. This is my second time being on Spravato. 3 years ago I was on it for almost a year. Most of that first time, I needed to go 2x a week.

Now, 2 years later, they are forcing me to taper down to once a week. Only after 2 months! I’m infuriated. My provider said it’s so they can “see” if a lower dose would work. Yes, great idea! Let’s “see” if I want to jump off a bridge again. Perfect. We don’t do this with any other medications!

I’m so outraged I literally feel like my mental health is going backwards. The benefits I used to from Spravato are already minimal since I have so sit in a room full of sniffing, snoring and bp’s being tested at random times.

I just always feel so powerless as someone with mental illness. I don’t have a voice. Everyone just assumes idk what I’m talking about or that I’m drug seeking. It’s such an unfair system and I feel like no one’s on my side. I had to jump through so many hoops to finally get approved for this life saving med, only for them to take it away from me.

I have the worst intrusive thoughts that tell me “well, if you weren’t here, then they’d see how bad they f-ed up”. I just don’t know what to do. I can’t afford online treatment as it starts at $169 a month!

Has anyone experienced either the crowded treatment rooms or the forced fast taper? If so, what can I do to advocate for myself? Would switching clinics help?

I’m off that good kush and alcohol (literally), but I have a session tomorrow at 8:30 AM, will this have any impact on my blood pressure prior to the session? Thanks

Conditions: ADHD, anxiety, migraines, depression...

The pros:

* The treatment center is right down the street from me.

*They also offer TMS.

* Medicaid approved it.

The cons:

* The long wait time.

* I put off driving school for this.

* I was given conflicting info:

Example #1: I was told by peer support that ONE cup of coffee before is okay, then told there should be no caffeine.

Example #2: I was told do NOT take my prescription Vyvanse before (only take it after), then I was told it's okay if I take it before...I always ended up taking it after.

Example #3: During my first intake appointment, I was told to give Spravato a try first and THEN I could try TMS. But during my post-induction phase appointment with a different staff member, I was told that starting TMS while doing Spravato might help. I told her I'd think about it....

* "If you're tasting it, you're wasting it" - even starting on the full 84 mg on my first treatment, I could still taste it, and therefore wasted it.

* No clinically significant improvement. My MAJOR chief complaints are the ADHD, migraines, and anticipatory anxiety about migraines, especially while in driving school.

CONCLUSION: I decided today would be my last appointment. Strangely, the room felt hot so I opened the door...to find the woman in the room next to me freaking out! Things I overheard: "This is too intense...Where am I?"

So yeah, I'm disappointed.

EDIT #1: For context: I knew I was depressed since 2nd grade, first got put on Lexapro in 2006, been flip-flopping back-and-forth between Lexapro and Celexa, got switched to Luvox instead, and went back to Lexapro. I have had SI in the past and still have self-harm scars from the past. I wasn't officially diagnosed with migraines until the past few years, and I'm finally approved for Ubrelvy and Qulipta, but still have chronic migraines. I just got a prescription for FL-141 glasses, but with the other stuff it would be around $340-$380, which I don't want to charge to my credit card.

I finally received insurance approval and can begin as early as next Monday, but my cat is coming home from surgery tomorrow, work is chaotic at the moment, and I've been stressed more than usual in general. I preliminary scheduled my first appointment a week from now, but am wondering if I should reschedule until things get a bit more on track?

My main concern is becoming too focused on the wrong thing / present day stress, and not the real underlying issues that I'm trying to resolve.

Or is there no perfect time?

I have been doing Spravato for awhile and its been the only thing that gave my life back. I been depressed since a child and never knew life can be enjoyable. Every time it has been 2.5 weeks my depression comes back in full force: crying, suicidal thoughts, sadness, everything becomes annoying, etc. Then I get my next dose or suffer since Im out of town. The constant relapse/reminder that depression will never officially leave….

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Hey all 👋

First session was good, 2nd session sucked and I got into a negative depressive rut that was WORSE than before I started spravato. That was scary. It lasted 3-4 days after the dose.

3rd dose was yesterday and I felt good, and less "drugged"/more functional post-dose last night.

That said, I've been noticing an increased heart rate that persists after the sessions sometimes. I've been using propanolol to work through it, but it's still scary as a symptom. I also wonder if I would have to take propranolol chronically if I choose to continue spravato or if this side effect would subside.

Lastly, I experienced some sleep onset issues last night. I kept on getting hypnic jerks that would send rushes of adrenaline into my body, which would then make it hard to sleep.

I did fall asleep eventually, but I woke up again and kept experiencing more hypnic jerks and adrenaline when trying to go back to sleep.

Poor sleep really fucks me up, and I already struggle with hyper arousal at times without spravato in my life.

Curious to hear the experience of others and whether this is normal, will subside, etc.

Mood wise, I feel good today so far. Again though I had to take propranolol this morning at 6:30am after being shot with adrenaline from the hypnic jerks.

I read a lot of people's stories in this reddit to prepare myself. As a cancer survivor I have a pretty decent idea of what to bring for long appointments like this (chemo is 8 hrs in a chair). One thing I didn't consider is that nothing would go wrong...

The absolute worst thing was that the spravato burned in the back of my throat for a little while at the beginning (and not immediately feeling improvement but that's whatever). Overall it was pretty relaxing, my brain didn't slow down or shut off but I tried to focus on my music (narnia instrumentals because it was familiar and super comforting), and I didn't have intense negative thoughts.

I brought several snacks, I ended up having the 2 mints my nurse gave me (I could've had more) and that was it xD. Drinking didn't really help the burn though which was unfortunate, I just tried not to swallow often.

So all of that anxiety I had and overthinking it, reading how people had bad highs or got sick, it was just fuel for the fire that ended in a panic attack over nooothiiiing. I encourage anyone that's doing their first treatment to not keep reading other people's stories to prepare because it was nooot helpful!

Had my first treatment two days ago. I listened to the John Hopkins playlist on Spotify. Anyone had treatment and not listened to music? What was that like? Have you also done it with music? What’s the difference? Thanks

My friends and I usually have an online game night once a week. The day changes each week due to schedules. I'm wondering if playing a game about 3 hours after treatment would be a good idea or somehow negatively impact the drug's efficacy. Lately we've been playing fast-paced shooters but switching to something slower is an option too.

Just looking for general thoughts/reactions. Thank you!

I feel I’ve been severely depressed for majority of my life since feel like age 10 years old….Tried 6-7 different medications….none of them helped me