Esketamine Treatment for Depression in Australia
What is Esketamine and How Does It Work?
At Mind Oasis Clinic, we understand the frustration of living with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). For patients who haven’t responded to traditional medications or treatments, esketamine treatment offers new hope. Administered as a nasal spray (Spravato), esketamine is a breakthrough therapy approved for managing TRD in adults. Our clinic in Sydney is one of the few places in Australia offering this advanced, evidence-based treatment.
Esketamine is a fast-acting antidepressant derived from ketamine. Delivered as a nasal spray for depression, esketamine is transforming how we treat hard-to-manage mood disorders. Unlike conventional antidepressants, esketamine works rapidly, often within hours or days, and is particularly effective for those who have not responded to at least two different types of antidepressants. Mind Oasis administers esketamine via Spravato nasal spray, making it one of the most innovative esketamine treatment methods available today.
Is Esketamine Treatment Right for You?
Esketamine is prescribed for adults with treatment-resistant depression. If you’ve tried two or more antidepressant therapies without sufficient relief, you may be eligible for esketamine for treatment-resistant depression. Our psychiatrists conduct a thorough assessment to determine suitability, considering your mental health history, current symptoms, and overall wellbeing. This is particularly important for those receiving esketamine for treatment-resistant depression, where a tailored approach is essential.
We also take into account any co-existing conditions, lifestyle factors, and past treatment responses to ensure we’re choosing the right path forward. For some individuals, esketamine may be combined with other therapies or integrated into a broader psychiatric care plan.
Esketamine Treatment Side Effects and Considerations
As with any medication, there are potential side effects. Common reactions to esketamine include dizziness or light-headedness, dissociation (a sense of disconnection), nausea, elevated blood pressure, and drowsiness or fatigue.
At Mind Oasis, all patients are monitored during and after each treatment session, a critical step in safely managing esketamine side effects and ensuring patient comfort. Esketamine side effects are typically short-lived and resolve within a few hours. However, this treatment is not suitable for everyone, which is why a full assessment is necessary. Our clinicians conduct risk-benefit evaluations before starting treatment and always provide a full briefing on possible esketamine side effects beforehand. If you have a history of certain cardiovascular conditions or substance misuse, we may recommend an alternative.
Alternative Treatment Options
Esketamine is one option among several for managing TRD. Another non-invasive treatment available at Mind Oasis is transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy. This therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity and has shown strong clinical outcomes for patients with depression. TMS is often suitable for those who do not wish to try medication-based treatments, and it is delivered via outpatient sessions over several weeks. Our team will guide you through your options to find the most effective approach for your needs.
The Cost of Esketamine Nasal Spray
Pricing varies depending on the frequency and duration of treatment. Esketamine is not currently listed on the PBS, so private costs apply. Our team will discuss pricing and potential rebate options during your consultation, including a detailed explanation of the cost of esketamine nasal spray based on your individual treatment plan.
What to Expect During Esketamine Treatment
Esketamine is administered in our Sydney clinic due to its specialised monitoring requirements. At our esketamine clinic in Sydney, we provide a calm and professional environment tailored to support patients through this advanced therapy.
Each session includes a nasal spray dose of Spravato under psychiatric supervision, a two-hour post-treatment monitoring period in a safe, supportive setting, and a structured treatment schedule (typically twice weekly at first). This approach ensures close observation and patient comfort throughout.
Many patients undergoing therapy for treatment-resistant depression using esketamine report improvement after just a few sessions. Therapy for TRD often involves combining esketamine with talk therapy or other support modalities. Our clinicians work closely with patients during their treatment journey, helping them navigate both esketamine sessions and any complementary therapy for TRD.
Alternative Treatment Options
Esketamine is one option among several for managing TRD. Another non-invasive treatment available at Mind Oasis is transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy. This therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity and has shown strong clinical outcomes for patients with depression. TMS is often suitable for those who do not wish to try medication-based treatments, and it is delivered via outpatient sessions over several weeks. Our team will guide you through your options to find the most effective approach for your needs.
Telehealth Psychiatry Services Across Australia
While esketamine must be administered in person at our Sydney clinic, Mind Oasis offers comprehensive psychiatric care via telehealth. You can access expert support from licensed psychiatrists from anywhere in Australia, including psychiatrists in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Our telehealth team can support you with pre-treatment evaluations, ongoing therapy, medication reviews, and referrals where appropriate. This makes it easier for patients across urban and rural locations to get consistent support without long wait times or travel.
Book a Consultation at Mind Oasis Clinic
If you’re struggling with treatment-resistant depression and looking for a trusted esketamine clinic in Sydney, Mind Oasis Clinic is here to help. Our team of expert psychiatrists will assess your needs and determine if esketamine is right for you. Appointments are available now. Book your initial consultation online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spravato nasal spray and how is it different from regular antidepressants?
Spravato nasal spray is a form of esketamine designed for adults with treatment-resistant depression. It is one of the most widely studied nasal spray for depression treatments globally. It acts quickly on brain receptors that traditional antidepressants don’t target, offering relief in a shorter time frame.
Is esketamine treatment covered by Medicare in Australia?
How long does esketamine treatment take to work?
What’s the difference between esketamine and ketamine?
Can I get esketamine treatment via telehealth?
No. Due to strict monitoring requirements, esketamine must be administered in person. However, you can access pre- and post-treatment support through our telehealth psychiatry team.