Esketamine Treatment

A new generation of care for individuals who haven’t found relief through traditional antidepressants

What to Expect with Esketamine Treatment

Esketamine is typically administered twice per week during the initial phase of treatment, followed by a gradual reduction in frequency based on your response and treatment plan.

Duration and intensity may vary depending on your clinical needs and your Psychiatrist’s recommendation.

  • Mode: Nasal spray (Spravato®), administered under supervision
  • Frequency: Typically twice weekly for the first month, then weekly or fortnightly as maintenance
  • Supervision: Always given in a clinical setting with trained staff present
  • Adjunctive Care: Given alongside a newly prescribed oral antidepressant

Our team of specialists will closely monitor your response, ensuring your wellbeing, safety, and optimal outcomes.

Your treating Psychiatrist will carefully assess your suitability and talk you through potential risks and benefits.

Safety and Side Effects

Esketamine is administered in a clinical setting under the supervision of specialists to ensure your safety during the treatment process.

As with any medication, some side effects may occur. These are typically mild and short lived but may include:

  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness or fatigue
  • Increased blood pressure (temporary)
  • Feeling disconnected or dissociated shortly after treatment

These effects usually resolve within a few hours. Patients remain under observation following each treatment session to ensure safety and wellbeing before returning home.

Maintaining Wellness and Safety, With You in Control

Your care doesn’t end after a single phase of treatment — we continue to support your progress with options that respect your needs and preferences.

Esketamine is administered in a calm, private setting within our hospital, providing immediate support if needed. Patients remain under observation for a short period after each session to ensure comfort and safety.

Esketamine is often part of a broader treatment plan, including Inpatient Treatment, Counselling, medications, or Day Programs to support long term wellness. 

At Fullarton Clinic, your care is guided by informed choice. Our team is here to answer your questions, explain all available options, and ensure you feel informed, supported, and respected throughout your treatment.

Ongoing monitoring and review are part of every Esketamine care plan.

 

Esketamine: Approved Access and Clinical Perspective

Esketamine is the first new class of antidepressants funded by the Australian Government in over 30 years. It was approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in 2021 and added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in 2025, making it accessible to over 30,000 Australians with severe depression.

“For the first time, we have a Government-funded medicine specifically for people trapped in an acute depressive episode despite treatment with multiple antidepressants.”

Professor Ian Hickie, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney

 

Frequently Asked Questions about our Esketamine Treatment

Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions our patients and their families ask. If you’d like to speak to someone directly, our team can discuss your concerns and provide further support.

1Is Esketamine available in Australia?
Yes, Esketamine is administered at selected facilities in Australia. It is a relatively new treatment option for Depression, when other treatments may not have been effective. You may also see the treatment referred to as Esketamine Spravato nasal spray.
2What is the cost of Esketamine nasal spray therapy in Australia?
The cost of Esketamine nasal spray therapy is covered by private health insurance at Fullarton Clinic. Depending on your level of private health coverage, it may cover all or most of your treatment. Contact our intake team to learn more about private health insurance.
3What is the difference between Ketamine Treatment and Esketamine Treatment?
Ketamine and Esketamine are closely related medications used to treat Depression when other treatments haven’t been effective. Ketamine is a mixture of two forms of the drug and is usually given via infusion, injection, or lozenge in specialist clinics. Esketamine (brand name Spravato) is a nasal spray containing one part of the ketamine molecule. It’s approved in Australia for treatment-resistant Depression and must be given in a clinical setting with monitoring. Both can be effective, but they differ in their use and regulation.
4Where can I get Esketamine therapy for Depression treatment?
You can receive treatment at our private mental health hospital in Melbourne. Contact our intake team to learn more.

Considering Esketamine?

 

If you’ve struggled to find relief through traditional medications, Esketamine may offer a new path forward. Our team is here to explore your options with care and clinical expertise. Contact us to learn more about the treatment and the admission process.