Esketamine is a nasal spray medication used to treat treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts. It works by targeting NMDA receptors in the brain, helping to restore neural connections disrupted by depression. Esketamine provides faster relief than traditional antidepressants, often within hours to days.

Who Needs Esketamine Treatment?

Esketamine is typically prescribed for:

• Individuals with treatment-resistant depression who haven’t responded to at least two other antidepressants.
• People experiencing major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation.

It is usually used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.

What to Expect 

• Initial Evaluation: A psychiatrist assesses mental health history and determines if esketamine is appropriate.
• Administration: Esketamine is administered in a clinical setting via a nasal spray under medical supervision to monitor side effects. Sessions last about 2 hours.
• Sessions: Treatment starts with 2 sessions per week for the first month, then typically reduces to once weekly, depending on response.
• Supervision: Patients are monitored for 2 hours post-treatment due to potential side effects like dizziness, dissociation, or elevated blood pressure.

Potential Outcomes

• Rapid Relief: Many patients experience improvements in depressive symptoms within hours or days.
• Sustained Improvement: With ongoing treatment, esketamine can help reduce the frequency and severity of depressive episodes.
• Side Effects: Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, or dissociation, though these usually subside after the session.
• Long-Term Support: Continued therapy and medication management are essential to maintain progress and prevent relapse.