The medical community is continually attempting to develop innovative treatments for individuals suffering from challenging conditions. A new type of depression treatment, dubbed esketamine, recently received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here’s a guide to what this drug does and how it compares to similar treatments.

What You Should Know About Esketamine for Depression Treatment

What the FDA Says 

Esketamine has been approved for those with treatment-resistant depression. It will be administered as a nasal spray. It will only be available to those who have tried multiple treatments and are currently using an additional antidepressant.

How It Works

Like ketamine, esketamine is a fast-acting drug that has anesthetic and hallucinogenic qualities. When administered professionally, it can help to relieve symptoms of depression and PTSD by restoring or repairing brain cells. The version that’s been approved by the FDA must be administered at a doctor’s office or under the care of a qualified physician, and used in conjunction with other medically approved depression treatments.

How Esketamine Differs From Ketamine

Esketamine is actually a part of ketamine, so they share many qualities. However, esketamine is patented, and thus more worthwhile for pharmaceutical companies to seek FDA approval than the generic and much older ketamine. It is also a bit more potent. As far as the effects are concerned, there is no research to indicate that esketamine is significantly more or less powerful as a depression treatment than ketamine. However, ketamine can be infused intravenously, which allows for enhanced absorption relative to intranasal methods. It’s possible that esketamine will be developed for intravenous use at a future date. 

If you’re searching for depression treatment options around Milford, CT, turn to the Ketamine Center of Connecticut for information and resources. The center provides ketamine infusion therapy designed to complement existing care protocols. The therapy has been shown to help patients with chronic pain and mental illnesses. Ketamine infusions provide fast relief and don’t cause respiratory depression or hypotension symptoms like many other pain-relieving drugs. Ask your doctor about augmenting your treatment and contact the center by calling (203) 701-6388. Learn more about their offerings online.