Esketamine Nasal Spray (Spravato) for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Transforming Lives with Innovative Care for Depressive Disorder.
At Mind Connections Specialist Health Services, we are proud to offer Esketamine nasal spray, an advanced therapy for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
What is Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)?
Treatment-Resistant Depression is diagnosed when someone with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) does not improve after trying at least two different antidepressants, each at the right dose and for an adequate duration.
Why TRD needs specialised care:
- Up to 7 times higher risk of suicide or self-harm
- Longer, more intense depressive episodes
- Greater likelihood of physical illness and substance use
- Reduced quality of life and productivity
- Increased hospitalisations and emergency visits
- Significant emotional and practical toll on families and carers
Esketamine nasal spray (Spravato) offers a new path forward, providing fast-acting relief and helping to ease this burden.
Esketamine Nasal Spray (Spravato®) – How It Works?
Esketamine nasal spray is approved for use in adults with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). It is administered under supervision and always in combination with a newly prescribed oral antidepressant.
Clinical research has shown that Spravato® can provide rapid and sustained improvement in depressive symptoms, even when other treatments have failed.
Key benefits of Esketamine nasal spray include:
- Rapid relief from depressive symptoms
- Higher likelihood of achieving remission
- Fewer hospital and emergency visits
- Improved ability to return to work, study, and daily life
- Renewed sense of hope and improved overall functioning
Esketamine Nasal Spray (Spravato) Treatment Program
Your treatment journey at Mind Connections Specialist Health Services is supervised by a qualified psychiatrist. Both Carlingford and Norwest practices are approved treatment centres.
Treatment Process:
Induction Phase (Weeks 1–4): Esketamine nasal spray (Spravato), twice weekly for four weeks, followed by an evaluation of your response.
Maintenance Phase (Weeks 5–8): Weekly or fortnightly treatment depending on your progress.
Ongoing Maintenance (6 months or more): Continued sessions (around 31 treatments) tailored to your needs, with periodic reviews to assess benefit.
Esketamine nasal spray (Spravato) is self-administered under medical supervision, with observation until you are safe to leave.
Possible Side Effects of Spravato®
Spravato® (esketamine nasal spray) has a consistent and generally reassuring safety profile. Most side effects are mild to moderate and tend to resolve on the same day of treatment.
Common side effects may include:
- Dissociation (feeling disconnected from self or surroundings)
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Sedation or drowsiness
- Increased blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)
- Numbness or tingling (hypoesthesia)
At Mind Connections Specialist Health Services, patients are closely monitored during and after administration to ensure safety and comfort.
Important Safety Note:
- You must have transport to our centre before and after the treatment.
- Take a light meal two hours before and nil by mouth half an hour before.
- Do not drive until the day after treatment.
- Ensure you have a restful night’s sleep before driving.
Costs & Informed Financial Consent
Esketamine nasal spray (Spravato) is available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) under a psychiatrist’s supervision for eligible patients.
There are out-of-pocket costs for in-clinic monitoring of up to two hours post-treatment. Cost may vary from $300/- $500/- per person, per session.
It is a condition of the treatment that you sign the Informed Financial Consent before you start the treatment, so there are no surprises.
Financial Coverage Eligibility
Coverage is provided by most third-party payers, including WorkCover, private insurers, and the Veterans’ Affairs, through their respective organisations. It is essential to obtain pre-approval for treatment in these circumstances.
Why Choose Mind Connections Specialist Health Services for Esketamine Nasal Spray (Spravato)?
- Psychiatrist-led care delivered with compassion and clinical expertise
- Accredited and authorised Spravato® treatment facility
- A safe, supportive, and welcoming environment prioritising patient wellbeing
- Utilisation of modern, evidence-based treatment protocols
- Committed to assisting you in restoring hope, functionality, and quality of life
Book Your Consultation Today
If you or a loved one is experiencing treatment-resistant depression, please book an appointment to discuss whether Esketamine nasal spray (Spravato) may be an appropriate treatment option.
Please note that your eligibility can only be determined following a thorough psychiatric evaluation, which typically takes a minimum of 45 minutes. Assessments and clinical consultations cannot be conducted via email or telephone.
We have provided all the necessary information to assist you in making an informed decision before booking a consultation with the psychiatrist.
Important Notice: Do I need a second opinion?
If your clinical presentation is particularly complex, the psychiatrist may recommend a second opinion to ensure the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. These measures are in place to safeguard your wellbeing and ensure you receive the highest standard of care.
FAQS
Spravato® is the brand name for esketamine hydrochloride nasal spray. It is an innovative treatment approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) when used together with a newly prescribed oral antidepressant.
Spravato® acts on the NMDA receptors in the brain, creating a different pathway to relieve depression symptoms, which traditional antidepressants do not target. This may help improve symptoms more rapidly and effectively.
Spravato® is suitable for adults diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who have not responded adequately to at least two different antidepressants of adequate dose and duration. Suitability is carefully assessed by your treating psychiatrist.
It is a nasal spray that you self-administer under the supervision of a qualified clinician in an approved treatment centre. You will be monitored during and after each session until it is safe for you to leave.
Typically, Spravato® is administered twice weekly during an initial 4-week induction phase. If treatment is effective, a maintenance phase follows with weekly or fortnightly sessions tailored to your needs.
Yes, as with any medicine, side effects can occur. Most are mild to moderate and settle on the same day. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, headache, sedation, raised blood pressure, and anxiety. Your care team will monitor you closely to keep you safe.
No, you cannot drive or operate machinery on the day of treatment. You will need a restful night’s sleep before resuming driving the next day.
Yes, Spravato® is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for eligible patients. There may still be out-of-pocket costs for in-clinic monitoring. We will provide you with clear financial consent before treatment begins.
Some patients may experience symptom relief within hours or days. However, everyone is different, and your doctor will monitor your progress carefully throughout treatment.
The first step is a psychiatric assessment to confirm your diagnosis and treatment history. If you are suitable, we will design a safe, evidence-based treatment plan just for you.
No. Spravato® uses esketamine, which is a purified form of ketamine, delivered through a nasal spray under strict medical supervision. Intravenous ketamine infusions are a different method and are not the same formulation.
Spravato® is used in a carefully controlled clinical setting, and there is currently no evidence of dependence when taken as prescribed under medical supervision. Your treating psychiatrist will monitor your use to ensure it remains safe.
You will need to remain under observation for about two hours after each treatment session. This is for your safety, to monitor for any side effects, and to ensure you are stable before leaving.
Yes, but we generally recommend having a light meal and avoiding alcohol before your appointment. Your treating team will give you clear pre-treatment instructions.
In most cases, yes — you will continue your oral antidepressant alongside Spravato®. Please tell your psychiatrist about all other medicines, supplements, or natural therapies you take to avoid any harmful interactions.
Spravato® may be appropriate for some older adults, depending on their health status. Suitability is assessed on a case-by-case basis by a psychiatrist.
Although uncommon, if you feel worse or have concerning symptoms, contact your treating team straight away. If it is after hours and you are in crisis, please call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
Yes — you will need a referral from your GP or another treating doctor so we can assess your eligibility and create a safe treatment plan.
A detailed psychiatric assessment is required to see if Spravato® is appropriate for you. Our team will consider your depression history, past treatments, other health conditions, and your current symptoms before recommending it.
Private health insurance generally does not cover Spravato® treatment fees outside of Medicare rebates, but some plans may cover certain related services. We recommend discussing this with your insurer, and we will also help you understand all costs upfront.