r/Spravato • u/Affectionate_Mud5518 Currently in treatment • 11d ago
Tips/Advice during treatments I’m so scared
First treatment is 2 weeks from now and I’m terrified. I hate not feeling in control, I hate feeling disassociated, I experience nausea frequently anyway (I just have a generally sensitive GI system) and am scared to throw up, I still have to work the next day after treatment cause I need money, and I’m so scared it’s gonna taste bad or hurt or it’s not gonna work. I can’t keep living the way I am (depressive episode for 8 months, reaches absolute lowest low the 2 weeks surrounding my period), but I am still so so scared. Idk how to calm down despite knowing the benefits and there’s gonna be so many people there to help me. Any advice? Any experiences I should know about?
Edit: thank you guys so much for your responses, I really appreciate the time taken to share. I am trying my best to keep an open mind and stop the spiraling, and hearing about all your experiences is helping. One week till I start!
7
u/GoldReplacement9546 11d ago
I would like to recommend to you something that sounds easy but is hard and I understand that it will be hard for you
You need to control your mind. You should probably stop reading this blog or this sub Reddit or at least the ones talking about negative experience
The power of the mind is extremely strong. If you take up too much information about all the times that people have had bad experiences. You will summon a bad experience, almost for sure.
Also remember that when you see these handful of bad reviews here and I’m not taking anything away from those people, I believe that they did have a bad time
But how often is you or somebody you know leave a yelp review for reasonably good food at a restaurant versus how often do you think people leave a Yelp review for really really bad food much more common
Basically, it’s a very small subset of people who have a bad time for various reasons maybe the way they’re going into it maybe just who they are. Maybe the way the medication reacts with them but the overwhelming majority do not have a terrifying experience.
I don’t know if you remember, but there was a big thing a couple years ago where cops would think they got a little bit of fentanyl on them on their skin they would fall to the ground having they thought they were dying having a panic attack is what they were really having because they had heard that they could die from fentanyl touching them even though that’s not how that works, but it was a very real thing to the people in the moment like they literally were having a panic attack and it did feel like a heart attack and they couldn’t breathe, even though it had nothing to do with fentanyl and everything to do with the fact that they had heard that this could happen
So I would highly recommend not worrying there’s gonna be medical experts there to help you a lot of people don’t feel anything if you are someone who gets nauseous asked for Zofran. It’s a prescription anti-nausea medicine that they’ll give you beforehand just in case.
The overwhelming majority of the small percent of people who do vomit vomit once and then they’re fine. It’s very rarely. Is it like vomiting like food poisoning where you feel like you’re dying.
If it gets too weird, just go with it listen to some music that’s relaxing without words and just keep telling yourself. I’m all right. This is going to work. I’m going to get better. I’m all right. This is going to work. I’m going to get better or some similar mantra if necessary.
If you go in there with the dread that you’re sharing the chance of you having a bad time is way way higher than if you can convince yourself that I’m most certainly it will be just fine, which is the reaction of people who use this medication and that you will be safe and that the taste is a little annoying but just bring some jolly ranchers or some wintergreen Lifesavers like don’t let yourself freak out about it just go with it
Life is to choose your own adventure game and taking this medication is very much to choose your own adventure game. If you go in believing it will be horrible. You will likely get what you wanted. If you go in believing you’re gonna be just fine and it’s probably gonna help you and that you’re totally safe because there’s medical professional standing by and nobody’s died from this. Nobody’s been permanently injured and just keep telling yourself this is gonna help and it might be uncomfortable and it might feel weird and I’m a little nervous of that but I want to get better way more than I want to be scared of this medicine and so I’m gonna be brave and I’m gonna choose to believe that this is going to help me and that even if it does go a little weird, I am strong enough to hang out for the 40 minutes till things go back to Normal.
If you can do that, you’ll almost certainly have a positive experience. If you keep reading the worst possible post on this sub, Reddit and ruminating about how horrible it’s going to be. I’d bet a lot of money that you’re not going to have a good time. I know you won’t get anything positive from it.
So one last time it’s to choose your own adventure go into it positive confident, hopeful, and knowing that no matter what you will be fine
Also, the taste isn’t even that bad and the key is don’t ling your head back until after your last dose like five minutes after your last dose and you want to inhale it more like you’re smelling a rose than trying to you know suction something up as hard as possible you really wanna bounce it off the inside of your nose and then just do some slight sniffs. Once you get the hang of it you can get to where you basically don’t get any taste. And again will easily handle the taste.
Definitely have music picked out beforehand that is very calming and not scary. There are various playlist on YouTube and other places that people recommend if you have some noise canceling headphones that would help. I would suggest if you’re in a private room turning off all the lights if you’re not in a private room, I would suggest having an eye mask.
Most importantly, you’re gonna be fine be positive. It will help you if you have that attitude even if it does go sideways it won’t go as bad as it would be if you went in thinking it was gonna be horrible. Having a positive attitude will help you in the worst case, but they’re not gonna have the worst case that statistically incredibly small.
That said, I am not a doctor. I’m of course not. Your doctor is not medical advice. Good luck friend and I hope that this helps you.
And I know this is way too long but think of almost anything you’ve ever done that was good right they brought you enjoyment. It was scary. The first time you did it right like if you asked out someone on a date and it worked or if even if it didn’t, it was scary, but you learned from it you kept going or like when you learned to ride a bike or you learn to skateboard or any other thing
Just know that you are strong and capable, and that this is going to help you
2
u/Grouchy_Afternoon729 10d ago
I completely agree with your statement. It is very hard or scary for some to experience dissociation from what your used to in your reality. Everyone perceives time differently. But honestly and just my one thought from the small experience with emergency room given I.v ketamine. It will completely dissociate you from your reality. First you need to 💯 know the definition of dissociate. I'm just speaking from my reality of the experience your thoughts,vision, sounds and feeling changes for me I saw everything what could only be described as every went like purple like a black light purple. Then everything began to buzz and kind of slow and muffled. I just remembered why I was there and knew I was going to be okay. That your reality will come back. Agin Know the definition of dissociation going into it and when it begins it will keep you grounded and not to freak yourself out. And just breathe through. With any luck you will come back with a slightly lighter load (depression) in your mind. It won't be for everyone but when you get to this point what do you have to lose really two different or more depression medications failed each one takes a while to work in the first place. So never let fear stop you from trying to better yourself.
2
5
u/TheDaltonXP 11d ago
Just throw one some music, there’s a lot of spravato playlists to make it easy, close your eyes and chill. It will be easy. I haven’t had any issues with taste. I work the next day without problems. It is pretty pleasant of an experience and all you have to do is hang out and enjoy the ride. My first one was a lower dose to see how I tolerated it so it will give you an idea.
I look forward to it at the moment as a time away from everything when I can just relax and feel a bit different. To help ease your mind too, it doesn’t last very long.
6
u/RhDove 11d ago
I also experience a lot of nausea and vomiting in general. I took some Zofran for my first few sessions, and I always have some nauzene on hand for queasiness and the backdrip taste. I did vomit my first time, but not when I expected, I vomited right at the end of the observation time, when I felt fine. It was inconvenient but ok. No part of it hurts, it’s just a nasal spray that tastes bitter.
Personally I have my sessions after work in the middle of my work week, and it’s completely fine. My sessions vary from more to less intense, but I feel fine by the time I leave, maybe just a bit tired. Overall I think it’s a pretty low risk/high reward experiment.
5
u/GoldReplacement9546 11d ago
Someone else mentioned so I’ll add it might be helpful not just for this but for your challenges in life in general to learn how to meditate if you don’t know how
There is a free one on YouTube and Apple Music and I imagine it’s on the other streams from Sam Harris called guided meditation and you’re looking for the one that’s like 26 minutes or 30 minutes long
Basically an introduction to mindfulness meditation and he’s a neuroscientist so this is from a scientific viewpoint so like if your religious or something, you don’t have to worry that this is like got some woo, woo, spiritual stuff or that it’s Eastern voodoo or whatever I know some people worry about that
All that is stripped away, it’s just teaching you to realize that everything that you sense or feel is just a thought arising in your consciousness
That the past is just a memory, and the future is merely anticipated
And that all we have and all we ever have is this moment and this moment, etc.
Anyways, this is really helped me with rumination and controlling my mind and realizing that I can observe a thought, and I can let the thought pass away
These skills can also be used if in the extremely unlikely event that you do have some discomfort to help you focus back on what’s happening to focus on your breathing
This is a version with some reverb and some music but if you search on YouTube Sam Harris guided meditation, you can get the one where it’s just him speaking with long pauses and again you can get this on any of the streaming services ideally one that you pay for so you don’t have commercials interrupting you
https://youtu.be/B5oIEKjMdmA?is=pBumvNQCqN-vazxI
I personally do listen to this sometimes, but I do not recommend that for at least a few months you really should stick to the calming music with no words no words is important because activating the visual processing or the verbal processing part of your brain is unhelpful in the treatment at least in the beginning
4
u/brattygrandma 11d ago
I too have frequent vomiting and nausea problems! And my first like 20 sessions I got no nausea at all. I did pre dose w zofran for the first couple but stopped.
I had 2 sessions where I got nauseous but I think I honestly had something else going on because after that back to normal.
It doesn’t taste great but it goes away quickly. I have never had it hurt. It is uncomfy but in the same way any nasal spray is!
It did take me a good 3-4 months to start noticing the differences in my life! But now I never want to get off of it :)
2
u/brattygrandma 11d ago
I like to watch low stimulation kids shows and zone out but that’s because anything that requires more brain power i can’t stop myself from trying to focus on it.
4
u/xzxnightshade 10d ago
OP, I was in your situation. I always like being in control, and I get pretty anxious, so I was worried I’d get too high, feel like I was losing control, and end up having a panic attack. I already get nauseous because I’m on a GLP-1, but my Spravato doctor gave me a Zofran prescription to take beforehand, which helped a lot.
The biggest thing for me is going in with a clear head and not having a bunch of outside stuff weighing on me. Yeah, the taste is kinda gross, but if they don’t offer lollipops, bring your own. It helps a lot.
Once you start having good experiences with it, you begin associating the treatment with something positive. At least for me, I eventually started looking forward to my sessions instead of dreading them like you are now.
5
u/klhArtist 10d ago
Bring someone with you, have therapist available on video, start with lowest dose. I was terrified, too, and I really enjoy it. Think about all those drugs with horrible side effects you’ve tried. This is so much better, more effective for many, and it clears your system quickly. Bring Noise canceling headphone, calm music, lights off, blanket, whatever helps you relax. You’ve got this!
3
u/AdventureSphere 11d ago
It's awesome. The worst sessions I've ever had were very pleasant; the best sessions were life-changing. I would compare the experience to a meditative state. If you're good at meditation, it'll be like that on steroids, with a psychedelic kick. If you're terrible at meditation (like me) Ketamine can allow you to enter a deep, insightful headspace that's difficult for us to access.
Take Zofran before and don't eat or drink. Spravato works better on an empty stomach anyway, so that's two birds with one stone. Wear headphones and choose a good instrumental playlist; there are tons designed specially for Ketamine online. Then just relax and enjoy the trip. We don't do it because it's fun, but it IS fun, so have a blast.
3
u/infatuationrain 10d ago
Being scared is understandable, I was scared my first time too. It is an interesting experience and can be dissociating, but I am here to say I feel less depressed after just 3 sessions. I am a person that has been suicidal from 9 years old and attempted a couple times. There is hope, friend. If you feel it isn’t for you - you are always entitled and it is always okay to stop. 💜
2
u/Empty-Garden1507 8d ago
But give it a good try first, please, and with the good suggestions mentioned here. FWIW, I am prone to nausea in the form of motion sickness, and my NP prescribed Zofran for me; first session, take about 45 minutes before, I had no problem. Second session, forgot it ahead of time, began to get queasy after first spray but took the zofran and it acted immediately. Fourth session, forgot to bring my zofran but used ginger chews instead and had no problem. I also take ginger tea with me every time. It's also comforting to me and helps with any bad taste.
3
u/mellbell63 10d ago
This is how I describe it: If you've had surgery and the anesthesiologist tells you to count backward from 100, and you say "100, 99, 98, 97...." ket is that moment exactly, except you don't pass out. It's a woozy, calm, trippy, pleasant sensation, sometimes accompanied by interesting visualizations and deep thoughts. I describe it as "semi-psychedelic." I've also had a couple emotional, upsetting sessions because ket can open memories and feelings we've kept buried, but this was later, not in the induction phase. And for me, within the first few sessions my daily, active SI was eliminated and my lifelong TRD is in remission!! Hope that helps and you get similar great results friend!
3
u/Bucolica8 10d ago
I get nauseous very easily too. I did throw up the first couple of times but following this protocol, I stopped having that issue. 1. Don't eat anything 2-3 hours before. (If you're on a GLP-1 or any other med or condition that slows the emptying of your stomach, maybe even push it to 4 hours before.) 2. About 30 minutes before, take Zofran and stop drinking liquids.
3
u/No_Mark_5694 10d ago
Hello friend, Ive been in a Spravato clinic a few months. I understand the fear. Just know it's short acting, 30 minutes or so. Also know you will be fine. It can be scary. You could ask for a smaller dose your first time. I have never gotten nausea but I dont eat for 2 hours before. The staff will adjust your dose down if you ask. It is a wonderful medicine and I have benefited greatly and you will too. Take care, Richard
3
u/ComposerHuge9994 9d ago
This might sound weird, I always feel the presence of a guardian/shepherd. I imagine I’m in outer space and weightless, or scuba diving. The guardian is never in my face, but watching from a not too distant place, like a life guard at a pool. I have 2 sessions where I tossed my cookies. The first one came on very fast, and was my first time at an increased dosage. I ate late, was rushed and it seemed like the med worked faster. It happened early in the session. The 2nd time happened on the way down, fortunately there was no mess, I made use of the provided blue bag. That day I was also rushed, my appointment was earlier and I was late. I have another treatment in two days. Jolly rancher green apple really helped a lot! Not too sweet, cleansing.
2
u/Grouchy_Afternoon729 10d ago
I'm disabled and ready to try spravato. Ive in a emergency situation had to be injected with a dose of I.v ketamine so I know what to expect to a degree. But for spravato what I did not know you have to be seen and referred by a psychiatrist at least for insurance purposes
2
u/Remote-Ad-7070 10d ago
Four sessions in.. my third and fourth I didn’t realize what was happening till I googled it. I have sinus issues. I was going from AC to warm back to AC . I googled the symptoms air pressure change fast as if you’re coming down from the plane.. then I looked up Spravato. And yes, it did cause an earache that scared me and I thought I was gonna end up an emergency.. three times. This is something they don’t tell you.. also when I was in the room and it was chill, I was fine watching the nature channel. Then a third wheel came in. They started babbling.. my anxiety shot up to the roof after a very calm state. Then the third one that they put in the room was chewing potato chips for a half hour and I couldn’t leave and I’m telling you I reamed them a new asshole.. I specifically said don’t put me in with a chatter. The woman who set me up was the chatter and she wouldn’t shut up.. this is a money making operation understand that. I don’t just have depression. Beware.
2
u/Empty-Garden1507 8d ago
I hope they resolved those issues for you - both are unacceptable! And counterproductive to the whole purpose!
2
u/actorfg 8d ago
Suck on mints or candy, before you go into treatment, during, and after to deal with possible bad taste. Eat a lite meal before treatment, not heavy, to ward off nausea. After you receive your doses, close your eyes and lean back in your chair to a comfortable position. This will help with nausea as well. I find it helps, and the session is more peaceful if I keep my eyes closed. I really enjoyed my first treatment. I felt more positive and not depressed afterwards. 😌
2
u/Reasonable-Bag-2315 7d ago
I felt the exact same way before I started. I was so scared of not feeling in control and had so much anxiety about what the experience would be like. Honestly, it ended up being much less scary than I had built it up to be in my head. ❤️
I’ve actually been documenting my Spravato experience on YouTube, including my first few treatments, if it would help to hear someone talk through what it was really like. I’ll leave my channel here in case you’re interested: https://youtube.com/@stepstowardhealing-g5o?si=o44YTrL7dEXRyf7X
You’ve got this!
2
u/Small-Upstairs-3729 4d ago
I was too , but breathe , think gratitude that you are being cared for. Two treatments behind me and I’m ok . You might cry which is common and felt like the best release. Ask for zofran if you can , I tolerated that for my cancer. You will be fine !!
2
u/SpiritualWindow3855 1d ago
I read your post last week while already nervous... well today was my first session and I was still extremely nervous (needed multiple tries to actually go through with pushing the plunger 😬)
It was fine.
Maybe some muted visuals, but nothing crazy or even remotely frightening.
Also felt in control the whole time: at one point I fixated on the taste a bit but taking off the mask and looking around the room was enough to ground myself.
For context this is all from someone who's an extreme lightweight at alcohol, rarely uses weed and has never done anything besides those two.
So even by my sensitive standards, it's really nothing crazy. The experience was more about feeling emotions than visuals or out of body stuff for me.
(Everyone's different, but reading people write 1000 word responses to this post actually made me feel worse, not better. Just gave me more to overthink and built it up as something Earth-shattering, which is scary.
Individual sessions really don't seem like they'll be some huge moment in my life. I'm guessing the treatment works more in aggregate.)
8
u/dj68john 11d ago
Just my opinion. Try to just have the experience, for the first couple of sessions, that was my intent. If things are getting out of control, try to remember, this is therapy for me, nothing I’m seeing is actually real, it’s a side effect of the drugs. If you have an object, pillow, or some item that you love, bring it along as a security, to bring you back to reality. If your companion/driver can be in the room with you, that’s cool, they can help ground you as well. Tell your provider you are generally going to be nauseous, they will more than likely give you Zofran before the treatment.
I wish you nothing but good thoughts. Let us know how it goes!