What are the risks of Spravato nasal spray, and why is it supervised?
Spravato is intranasal esketamine used for specified forms of adult depression according to licensing and specialist assessment. It can raise blood pressure and cause sedation, dissociation or respiratory depression, and has misuse potential. It is administered in a monitored healthcare setting, not as an ordinary home spray.
Details
Monitoring is integral to treatment
Medical history and medicines are reviewed, and blood pressure is checked before and after dosing. The US label requires observation for at least two hours, including respiratory assessment and readiness for discharge; symptoms may require longer. Two elapsed hours do not automatically mean someone can leave.
Plan for after the session
Arrange transport and appropriate support. Do not drive or operate machinery until the next day after restful sleep and in accordance with the team’s instructions. Mention sedatives, alcohol, substance-use history and vascular disease because they can affect suitability.
It does not guarantee suicide prevention
Treatment has not been shown to prevent suicide and does not replace emergency care or hospitalization when indicated. Immediate self-harm risk requires emergency help rather than waiting for another session. Approval elsewhere does not establish identical licensing or availability in Jordan.
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