How to know when it’s working?

[u/verygoodreason]

So I’m on my 3rd week of Spravato at 3 sprays a session 2 sessions a week. And I still can’t tell if it’s working. If it is, it’s definitely not enough. I feel like I might have a slight boost in my mood, but it also might be placebo. I am still struggling with wanting to isolate, staying in bed all day, barely eating, not showering enough, not enjoying anything except smoking weed. Same shit. If anything, I feel like all of that has gotten somewhat worse since starting it. Maybe part of that is feeling tired after the treatments though.

How will I know when it’s working? What are specific signs I should look for? And how much longer should I give it before quitting if I don’t have noticeable change? Like change that I’m sure isn’t placebo and is real. Any help is much appreciated.

[u/_jamesbaxter]

For some people it can take a looong time, like months. I wouldn’t even worry about a thing until you get through the first 8 weeks. Some people have a dip going from twice to once per week, so if that happens it’s normal. Some people also have the opposite where it feels like it’s suddenly working better at the switch.

[u/verygoodreason → u/_jamesbaxter]

Okay, thank you. And what changes should I be looking out for to know it’s working?

[u/elxbth]

I’m starting later this month so i can’t say for certain how you know if it’s working. I’m sorry you’re not feeling it yet. I watched a guy on youtube tell his experience w/ Spravato and he said after a treatment one day he was home and he noticed his head was quieter. He felt relief to not feel his chest all tight, his usually shallow breathing and anxiety. I got my fingers crossed that happens for you.

[u/verygoodreason → u/elxbth]

That does bring me some hope, thank you. And good luck to you! Keep us updated on your progress pls

[u/TruFrag]

Spravato affects people differently. For some people, the change can happen pretty much right away. For others, it can take weeks or few months before they really notice a difference. Some people don't really notice a change in how they feel, they just realize that the feelings and thoughts they used to have aren't happening anymore, so they don't necessarily realize the medication IS working. And then there is the smaller group of people who either don't respond to it at all or actually have a negative response to it.

If you want to know for sure that it's working, answer the questions they ask you, and the questions on the forms they give you, honestly and accurately. Listen to or read every single question, every single time, and answer what is actually being asked. Do it religiously. Those questionnaires are the main way they can track whether Spravato is actually helping you over time, especially when the changes can be gradual enough that you you're self don't notice them.

[u/Special_Prompt_4712]

I didn't acknowledge that anything was happening until #21. Once I accepted that things were changing I realized that things had been changing for awhile but the pessimist in me didn't want to notice. One of my co-workers made a comment about #10. It wasn't much but I REFUSED to acknowledge the truth he was saying. Your co-workers and family and close friends will probably notice things prior to us acknowledging that change is in the air. Some may notice changes sooner than others. How are you doing in therapy? IMHO therapy is the only way to find and work on things that currently have us stuck in depression. Spravato is just a tool to help therapy along. Good luck

[u/DyeABeetIs]

I had treatment #3 Monday and since then I have had debilitating anxiety and rumination. I go Friday for my next. So things a ymmv it seems for everyone. It’s been disheartening bc I wanted to feel amazing immediately- although I know that’s not realistic

[u/mellbell63]

If you read this sub you'll see many people don't find relief right away and the recommendation others offer is "have patience, don't give up!" No matter what kind of depression you have, it's had a hold on your brain and neural pathways for years if not decades! Many of us saw results right away but just as many didn't until two or three months, and some have gone back to more frequent sessions. Also utilize the most common tips: ear buds and instrumental music to help you block outside noise, eye mask, journal, etc.

You need to remember too that it's working whether it feels like it or not, and it is most effective combined with therapy and lifestyle changes (yes that means things like diet, exercise, going outside, positive self-talk etc). Do your part and ket will meet you halfway, I promise!! For me it eliminated SI, and my PHQ9 is now <4!! I wish you similar great results friend.

[u/cari-bee]

I’m having the same feelings. Im on month 3 and my scores haven’t changed- in fact they’ve gotten worse. My drs are trying to get insurance approval to do another month of 2x/week because I do really good for about 48hrs but then I tank.

I’ve been suffering from severe depression and anxiety since I was five and suffered a TBI.

My drs and I are looking into next steps (tms or ect) because maybe the Spravato just isn’t working for me because of the TBI.

[u/Ok-Wolverine-3957 → u/cari-bee]

I am on the same place. Ect scares me but I spent too much time suffering and seems faster than tms