What is Esketamine?:
Esketamine Therapy is an exciting new alternative treatment recently approved by the FDA as monotherapy for Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD). Esketamine is a drug derived from Ketamine, which is originally used for anaesthesia and pain relief. The compound in Esketamine has been adjusted to a much lower dose and is taken in the form of a nasal spray for symptomatic relief of depressive symptoms.
Esketamine (Spravato) is indicated for two types of patients:
- Adults with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Those who fall under this category would be adults aged 24 or older with a history of Major Depressive Disorder who have tried at least two different antidepressants but have seen no improvement.
- Adults with Major Depressive Disorder and Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviours: For adults aged 24 years or older with Major Depression who are in a crisis and need quick relief of their symptoms. It is used in combination with another oral antidepressant to stabilize their condition.