Esketamine Treatment for Depression
A treatment option for patients with treatment-resistant depression, provided under specialist psychiatric care.
What Is Esketamine?
Esketamine is a breakthrough nasal spray for depression, designed for adults living with treatment-resistant depression — when two or more standard antidepressants haven’t provided enough relief.
Unlike traditional antidepressants that act on serotonin pathways, Esketamine targets the glutamate system in the brain, helping to restore mood regulation through a different mechanism. This often leads to a faster and more noticeable improvement in mood, energy, and motivation.
Esketamine is administered as a nasal spray under direct medical supervision at our Sydney clinic. Each session is carefully monitored by our experienced team to ensure comfort and safety.
The treatment is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia for eligible patients.
Who May Benefit from Esketamine
Esketamine treatment may help adults living with treatment-resistant depression — when standard antidepressants and therapy haven’t provided enough relief. It may be considered for individuals who require an alternative approach or a faster-acting treatment option under specialist care.
Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression
Esketamine is a nasal spray treatment for adults with treatment-resistant depression. It is registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for eligible patients.
It acts on a different neurotransmitter system to standard antidepressants, and is used alongside an oral antidepressant rather than in place of one. Treatment is delivered in clinic under direct medical supervision, with monitoring after each dose.
Key Facts About Esketamine
Registered and PBS-listed
Esketamine nasal spray is registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for use in adults with treatment-resistant depression, and is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for patients who meet the eligibility criteria. Your psychiatrist will confirm whether you are eligible.
Used alongside an oral antidepressant
Esketamine is not a replacement for your current medication. It is prescribed in addition to an oral antidepressant, which you will usually continue throughout treatment. It acts on a different neurotransmitter system to standard antidepressants.
Given in clinic, never at home
Each dose is self-administered under the direct supervision of our clinical team and followed by a monitoring period before you leave. Esketamine cannot be dispensed for home use and cannot be provided by telehealth.
Reviewed throughout treatment
Response varies from person to person. Your psychiatrist will review your progress at regular intervals and discuss with you whether to continue, adjust the schedule, or stop. Treatment continues only where there is clear clinical benefit.
Esketamine Treatment Process
Each treatment session takes approximately 2 hours, including post-treatment monitoring for safety.
PHASE 1
Initial Screening
Free phone consultation with our registered nurse to assess your treatment history and preliminary suitability.
PHASE 2
Psychiatric Assessment
Comprehensive consultation with a psychiatrist to confirm suitability and develop your treatment plan.
PHASE 3
Induction Phase (Week 1–4)
2 sessions per week for 4 weeks, with weekly follow-up consultations with your psychiatrist.
PHASE 4
Maintenance Phase (Week 5–8)
1 session per week for a further 4 weeks, with ongoing monitoring and review.
PHASE 5
Ongoing Phase (Week 9 onwards)
Sessions spaced weekly or fortnightly, with treatment adjusted based on your response and clinical needs.
Each treatment session takes approximately 2 to 3 hours in total, including a minimum two-hour monitoring period after dosing.
Risks and Side Effects
Common side effects:
Dizziness
Dissociation
Nausea
Increased blood pressure
Short-term effects post-treatment
Esketamine can cause temporary side effects after each dose, which may include dizziness, nausea, a feeling of detachment or dissociation, and increased blood pressure. These effects are usually short-lived and tend to settle within a couple of hours of treatment.
Requires monitoring in clinic
Because of these short-term effects, you will be monitored by our clinical team for a period after each dose before you are able to leave. For this reason, you will also need to arrange transport home. Patients must not drive or operate machinery until the following day, after a restful night's sleep.
Suitability carefully assessed by psychiatrist
Esketamine is not suitable for everyone. It is not recommended where there is a history of certain cardiovascular or cerebrovascular conditions, including uncontrolled high blood pressure, aneurysmal vascular disease or previous intracerebral haemorrhage. Your psychiatrist will assess whether this treatment is appropriate for you, taking into account your medical history, current medications, and individual circumstances.
Cost of Esketamine Treatment
Your total cost will vary depending on your treatment plan, including the phase of treatment, session frequency, psychiatrist review schedule, and PBS eligibility.
Medication Cost
$31.60 per dose
General Patients
$7.70 per dose
Concession Patients
Previously approximately $700 per dose before Esketamine was added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia from 1 May 2025.
Treatment Fee
$300 per session
This fee covers the administration and clinical monitoring of your esketamine treatment and is not eligible for a Medicare rebate.
Ready to get started with Esketamine Treatment?
For Patients
Take the first step toward Esketamine treatment by scheduling a free 15-minute phone consultation with our registered nurse. This quick call helps us understand your background and guide you through the next steps of care.
Book Your Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation with our Registered Nurse.
For GPs and other Referring Specialists
If you are a referring doctor or healthcare professional, please email the patient’s referral letter directly to: trd@mindoasis.com.au
Including the patient’s contact details and recent medication history will help our team arrange the nurse consultation and psychiatric assessment promptly.
Esketamine Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Esketamine the same as ketamine infusion therapy?
No. Esketamine (Spravato) is a prescription nasal spray specifically approved for treatment-resistant depression.
How quickly does Esketamine work?
Some patients notice improvement within the first few weeks.
Can I do Esketamine via Telehealth?
The medication is administered in-clinic, but reviews and follow-ups can be done via Telehealth.
Consult With our Psychiatrist
Our psychiatrists provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning for a range of mental health conditions.
