What is Esketamine?
Esketamine is a type of ketamine approved by the FDA as an alternative for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Esketamine is derived from part of the ketamine molecule and is a nasal spray used to treat depression in adults. Due to its potency, you can use it at a lower dose and have fewer side effects.
Is Eskatamine FDA approved?
Yes, esketamine has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression.
How does esketamine work?
You should use a nasal decongestant an hour before taking the esketamine and avoid eating for at least two hours before your treatment.
During your session, you will use the nasal spray as directed by your doctor.
Eskatamine increases levels of glutamate, the most abundant chemical messenger in the brain. Esketamine, like ketamine, has the potential to distort your perception during the first two hours after treatment, so it has to be administered in a clinical setting. With the nasal spray, you take the dose under a doctor's supervision. Then, you remain in the clinic under doctor observation until potential side effects have passed.
How is esketamine different from other medications?
Traditional antidepressants need to build up in your system to reach their full therapeutic potential. Esketamine works in your body differently. It immediately targets your glutamatergic system to create new synapses, or connections, between the brain cells that regulate your mood.
How long is an esketamine session?
During your session, the esketamine nasal spray is given. Your doctor may also want you to stay in the medical facility for at least 2 hours to check for unwanted effects.
How long is the recovery time?
After you take the esketamine nasal spray, you stay in the office under observation for two hours. You also need to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment. Esketamine can make you very drowsy and may cause other side effects that make it unsafe for you to operate a vehicle.
Will Esketamine work for me?
Currently, esketamine is approved for people with treatment-resistant depression. That means you’ve tried at least two other antidepressants and haven’t experienced remission.
Your doctor may help determine whether esketamine is right for you. An evaluation by one of our doctors can determine if esketamine is an option for you. Esketamine treatment is available by prescription only and is administered under the supervision of a doctor. If you think esketamine could be for you, you can make an appointment here!
If you have treatment-resistant depression, call A Ray of Hope: Great Lakes Institute of Neurology and Psychiatry to schedule a consultation today to determine if esketamine therapy is right for you.
