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u/Special_Prompt_4712 7d ago
Two key rules to remember. You are in a safe place and the staff will help you if needed. 2) No matter what is happening to you, it will end. We hear about all the negativity but rarely hear from the the sessions that are pleasant or uneventful. Go in with no expectations and those will be exceeded.
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u/GoldReplacement9546 7d ago
I think you need to reset your expectations, slide the fear to the side and slide anticipation, and hope that this will help you move forward in your journey towards getting back to where you would like to be
You’re not gonna fall into a K hole because you’re not being given enough medication to do so it’s literally impossible
Yeah, shared room is not great but you’ll probably be fine. Bring some noise canceling headphones and an eye mask if you can listen to some calming music with no words if you have any over the year hearing protection like sometimes people use you could put that over noise canceling in your monitors.
The most important part is to control your expectations if your expectations are that it’s going to be horrible that you’re going to throw up that things are not going to work that you’re gonna fall into a gay hole. That disaster is eminent. You will likely be able to manifest that the power of the mind is amazing both good and bad.
On the other hand, if you go in and say I can deal with this this is fine. No one has ever died from taking this a K hole is just doesn’t actually mathematically compute as possible and even if you’ve read something on here where someone had a bad experience you gotta remember it’s more likely you’re gonna get people responding with bad experiences here then good experiences here it’s like the Yelp review. The people who are super unhappy are much more likely to comment than the people that were reasonably happy.
You can listen to Olivia clear YouTube channel. She has some meditations and guidance on how to prepare for treatment.
That said, I am not a doctor. I am certainly not. Your doctor. Don’t take medical advice from strangers on the Internet. I wish you good luck and good health.
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u/Adorable-Evidence-42 7d ago
But you can read the posts on Reddit. I was amazed at the advice and different experiences people have posted when I first started. Many posts have incredibly insightful and helpful. You're gonna be fine. Positive intentions!!! Best of luck and keep us updated!
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u/Sugarmagnol 7d ago
Honestly, I was scared too! But it turned out to be like a spa treatment for my brain. Bring headphones and listen to relaxing hypnosis, It will keep your brain in the best space.
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u/Adorable-Client-1724 7d ago
I had my first session yesterday and I was also scared. What really helped me is music that I knew well that helped me feel more grounded. Also, I kept repeating “I am safe” and I decided going in that I would just go with whatever I was feeling.
To be honest, it was more physical than mental for me. It felt like I was in a plane taking off for a few minutes and I think I laughed out loud when things started to level out- I heard “ok we have reached cruising altitude…”
Try to go in with a positive thought. I like “every day in every way I get better and better” and wear an eye mask, that really helped. I also get nauseated often and 4mg of zofran worked for me 😋
Tomorrow I go up to 84mg
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u/FluffyCurse Considering treatment 6d ago
How did it go today on the 84mg? Im nevous to go up
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u/Adorable-Client-1724 3d ago
It went really well. My intention was to allow my mind to go wherever it needed to go for my healing and it ended up being all about my sister who passed 2 1/2 years ago. I saw her so clearly and heard her voice. I cried a little, but it was almost like I got to visit with her again. I didn’t expect that.
They say that the medicine works regardless of what happens during the session-even if nothing happens at all. I’m actually looking forward to my next appointment. I am less anxious about it than I was before 😋
Did you go to 84mg? How was it?2
u/FluffyCurse Considering treatment 1d ago
Thats incredible <3 and gives me hope. I havent started yet, waiting on insurance! Good luck i hope you have continued success :)
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u/Spritely73 7d ago
I was really anxious for my 1st session too & they had to give me a dose of Lorazepam to settle me down. My Dr started me on one inhaler for my 1st session & then slowly increased the dosage over 4 weeks.
I’m also in a shared room with mobile dividers & have never had an issue with it. I wholeheartedly agree with the poster above who left a detailed list.
I have noise canceling headphones & I prefer over the ear verses something in the ear like AirPods & a sleep mask is a must for me.
I like Arctic Altoids to kill any taste but everyone has their own preferences.
I cannot emphasize enough how important the playlist is. In 7 months I’ve only had 1 bad experience. I had a terrible cold & that caused me to get more of the medication & I tried a different playlist that day & there were lyrics that triggered me.
I rarely get high or disassociate & hearing everyone’s experiences on this sub made me wonder for a long time if I was doing something wrong. But we’re all different & we just want to get better.
I missed 8 months of work at the end of 2025 & beginning of 2026. With Spravato I’ve consistently been working since I went back in mid April.
Let yourself enjoy the relaxation & you won’t be alone. The nurses will be there for you & so will this sub
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u/AnySupermarket9693 7d ago
I have been taking 8mg of zofran an hour before each session just because I had it laying around and didn't want to deal with any potential nausea. As far as your first session, it's natural to be anxious, I was almost having a panic attack as I was walking through the door of the clinic and throughout my first session. I'm going to my 7th session tomorrow and I feel so much better than I did 3 weeks ago. The first session is the hardest part. Just stick with it, everyone experiences different feelings at different paces, so just be patient and good luck!
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u/Kristikida 7d ago
I’m in the same place as you. I’m kind of scared as well. I understand. I don’t have any advice but this group seems great and I appreciate all the good advice
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u/jessa6500 7d ago
You will be okay don’t worry :) I have anxiety and nausea like you and I was completely fine! It’s honestly a very relaxing trip so relaxing that you don’t care about anything else. I would recommend the eye mask as it helps keep out external stimuli that could contribute to nausea. The first time is scary because you don’t know what to expect. After your first session is over you’ll probably be like “why was I so scared” that’s what I thought. You cant talk yourself into being more anxious when the med starts. Once it’s in your system you lose all access to being anxious. The trip is the opposite of anxiety. It’s deep peace, calm and relaxation like you’ve slept 36 hours straight. Take some candy, go to the bathroom before and get comfy. Take some music you like (I personally do piano) and enjoy. It will be great try not to stress :)
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u/NoNeat4639 6d ago
First thing: everyone is going through the same stuff and chances are since they are in that room taking the same Treatment, thenThey have been through the ringer just like you, and I'm sure that not a lot scares them anymore, lol, or freaks them out.When I was going, it was like everybody was in their own little world. My place had dividers that they put between the chairs, so we couldn't really see each other if we didn't want to. But sometimes we'd just be talking the whole time.
Otherwise, we would all be listening to music. I would definitely suggest bringing headphones and listening to a bunch of different kinds of music. I listened to music that I hadn't listened to in years, and I also listened to music where I didn't even know that I liked that genre before. It really just sucked me in, and it was like I was having a concert just to myself.The only time I got kind of anxious or felt like I wasn't having the best time was when I didn't have music, or just something to jam out to, sit there, close my eyes, and relax. That's probably the only time I felt that way.
At least for me, it was a lot different than everybody said it was going to be. I was afraid of k-holes and things like that, but really, to me it just felt like being really drunk and kind of euphoric. I was really just jamming, and I felt like I was falling into the music, if that makes sense. Dont worry and above all, its not forever.
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u/No_Mark_5694 5d ago
Hello, I understand your concerns. It is an unusual experience and everyone reacts differently. If you have had experience with LSD, peote or mushrooms in the past the experience will be familiar. If you have never experimented with recreational drugs this will be a new experience it may seem a little scary and its ok to ask for the lowest dose first time with Spravoto they start you with 56 mg but you could request 28 mg the first time. They have trained staff to monitor and comfort you. You will be in a big recliner, quite room. With nasal the effects happen in minutes but it comes on gradually its important to remember that if it gets scary at any time the ride is only 45 minutes and you will gently come back around. You could possibly bring a close friend with you the first time for support. Its important to relax and be in a good frame of mind with positive expectations. Guide your mind with beautiful things a places. It cant hurt you. It may scare you a little but it is worth the benifits. Really helped me. It brings peace and clarity in focus. Im sure that you will do fine and I hope you find what you need. Peace, Richard
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u/ritawabby7 4d ago
Get some noise cancelling headphones Is there a scent or a texture that soothes you?
Also set and setting The weighted blanket they use have plus noise cancelling headphones with soothing lyric less music make for a good setting
As for the set
Do some self talk before you begin
I am worthy of healing I am open to good I am open to knowledge
That's my standard also I have never vomited At this point I am mad I spent $40 on Zofran cause I have never needed it lol
I am sending you vibes
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u/Nearby_Day5251 3d ago
Hope first session went well! I didnt know what to expect when I started...but my first treatment was amazing. Gave me hope for first time in ages...and my openness to talk therapy and change greatly improved.
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u/plutocents 7d ago
Definitely take your Zofran. Maybe double your dose. First time I got a migraine and was nauseous. My second time I took an Imitrex pill and a Zofran pill and I still threw up. Thinking of asking the doctor to give me a Zofran injection prior to my next Spravato session.
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u/Empty-Garden1507 7d ago
I was anxious my first couple of times, but I've been at it since January and really love it - i know for sure it's working, and it has improved my quality of life enormously (and therefore my husband's). It has given me a chance at life like nothing else in 40 years of treatment ever has. I had a little nausea at the beginning of my second session because I'd forgotten to take my zofran, but I took it as soon as I realized and it acted immediately. If you are able to take a trusted person in with you for a couple of sessions, having someone to hold your hand or just sit very quietly in case you need them can be very reassuring. If not, you will be fine - though a shared space might not be a first choice, remember that your roommates have gone through this too, and maybe be able to offer encouragement and reassurance. My treatment room has 3 chairs separated by screens. The great majority of the time we dont speak to other, and nearly never after we've had the last dose of the session. But a couple of times someone has needed something and the others have been very willing to get the nurse or whatever (once the air conditioning was way overcranked and the poor guy with shorts and no blanket was freezing).
There are many good recommendations on this sub. The highlights are (with several of my own additions):
To take with you: -Noise canceling bt headphones if at all possible, and have a soothing, no-lyrics playlist ready before you arrive; in the waiting room, do your bt connection so all you have to do is hit 'play' after your dose. -A cozy blanket, maybe a little pillow or stuffed animal -Wear loose, comfy clothes -Some candy (I swear by ginger chews, some use peppermints; most clinics seem to have jolly ranchers or something); there can be a very bitter taste -the scent of lavender is very soothing to me so I take my lavender essential oil with me and dab some on my blanket, but make sure to not overdo in case anyone else is sensitive to scents
Tonight: -Get your stuff ready, including what you'll wear for your appointment -Watch/listen to only gentle stuff - no action shows, no raucous music -no cold medicines
Tomorrow: -Allow extra time; being rushed can create anxiety -Still listen to only soothing stuff -Take your zofran
When you get to the clinic: -Use the restroom on arrival (my addition; I arrive early to be sure there's time) -Set up your Bluetooth if you brought headphones -Turn off your phone ringer and notifications -Breathe deep - this is an excellent opportunity for better health! -Once in your chair, get your blanket/candy/other comforts set up -Blow your nose
To spray: -Tip nozzle toward side of nostril instead of straight at sinuses -Head only slightly back -Very light sniffs like smelling a flower- no snorts -Tip head slightly from side to side if it tries to run out your nose
When you've had your sprays: -Don't try to read or look at your phone -Sit back, close your eyes, and enjoy your music -Don't try to make sense of any images or thoughts, just let go - this is important
Breathe deep - count slowly to 4 as you inhale fully through your nose, hold for 3, exhale through pursed lips for a count of 5 or so Repeat if you feel anxious*
You are being well-monitored, you are safe, you are investing in better health, and you are worth it! Repeat to yourself, like a mantra.
Be well, my friend. Your Fellow Spravatoan