Esketamine (Spravato)
What to know about Esketamine — also sold as Spravato: uses, side effects, interactions, and safety considerations for people taking it or caring for someone who is.
Esketamine (brand names: Spravato) is classified as Moderate risk (5 risk points) by AllMeds. It is a S8 medication under the TGA in Australia. S8 controlled substance with significant CNS depression and dissociative effects requiring specialist monitoring.
Key Takeaways
- TGA Schedule: S8 in Australia
- Risk level: Moderate (5 points)
- CNS depressant: May cause sedation, impair driving, and affect work capacity
- Respiratory depression risk: Requires monitoring, especially with other CNS depressants
- Recommended maximum duration: 84 days
- SIRA reportable: Flagged for NSW workers compensation reporting
- PBS listed: Subsidised under the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Scheduling and Classification
| Jurisdiction | Classification | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (TGA) | S8 | PBS listed |
Risk Profile
S8 controlled substance with significant CNS depression and dissociative effects requiring specialist monitoring.
How Esketamine is regulated
Esketamine is overseen by medicines regulators in each country. The rules below explain how it's scheduled, what oversight applies, and what to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, changing, or stopping this medication.
Work capacity impact: As a CNS depressant, Esketamine may impair driving, operating machinery, and cognitive function. Work capacity certificates should reflect any medication-related restrictions.
Australia TGA / PBS / State Schemes
Classified as S8 under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for subsidised prescribing.
Flagged as reportable under SIRA guidelines in NSW. Claims involving this medication may require additional reporting and clinical justification.
United Kingdom NICE / MHRA / FPM
NICE guidelines recommend certain antidepressants (amitriptyline, duloxetine) for chronic pain management. For personal injury claims, antidepressant prescribing should be assessed for injury relatedness.
UK drug driving laws (Section 5A Road Traffic Act 2006) set specific limits for prescription drugs that cause impairment. Employers and occupational health advisors should assess fitness to work.
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Important: This page is general health information, not personal medical advice. If you have questions about your medication — including starting it, stopping it, changing the dose, or combining it with something else — speak with your doctor or pharmacist. For an emergency or suspected overdose, call your local emergency number or poison information service immediately. Information is drawn from regulator and clinical guideline sources (TGA, FDA, MHRA, NICE, PBS, CDC); see our methodology for details.