The FDA has authorized the ketamine enantiomer S-ketamine (esketamine) for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression. Tight safeguards have been put in place to prevent misuse of this nasal spray, which was designed to be used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
What is esketamine’s brand name?
Esketamine is marketed as an antidepressant under the brand name Spravato, and as an anesthetic (veterinary) under the brand names Eskesia, Ketanest, Ketanest S, Ketanest-S, and Keta-S.
Who qualifies for Spravato?
Approve for two months if the following requirements (A, B, C, D, and E) are met: A) The individual is 18 years old; AND B) The individual has a major depressive illness that the prescriber considers severe; AND C) The individual is taking at least one oral antidepressant concurrently.
How long do you keep esketamine in your system?
Adults—84 milligrams (mg) twice a week for four weeks. As required and tolerable, your doctor may adjust your dose. Your doctor will decide the appropriate use and dosage for your child.
What effects does esketamine have on you?
Esketamine medication can cause a wide range of negative effects in patients. Hallucinations and feeling estranged from yourself or reality are the most dramatic. However, adverse effects often peak at 40 minutes and fade after two hours of therapy.
What is Spravato’s success rate?
60% (n=12) of patients responded, and 30% (n=6) went into remission. After 6 months of medication, two patients terminated treatment due to a lack of therapeutic benefit.
Can esketamine make depression worse?
Your doctor will monitor you for these side effects for at least 2 hours following each treatment session. Some people may become agitated, irritated, or exhibit other odd behaviors after using esketamine nasal spray. It may also lead to suicidal thoughts and impulses in certain people, as well as an increase in depression.
Is esketamine a controlled substance?
Yes. Spravato (esketamine) is a controlled substance listed on Schedule III.
Is esketamine safe to use?
The FDA indicated that the safety issues for esketamine, for which a REMS was planned, include overuse, abuse, dissociation, and sedation, all of which are recognized adverse effects of ketamine (FDA, 2019; Kim et al., 2019).
