Note: this article is provided by Ohio Northern University Healthwise Pharmacy.
Esketamine is considered the first big depression advance since the approval of Prozac — and it just got approved.
Dozens of antidepressants have been approved over the years. These include Eli Lilly’s “blockbuster” drug Prozac, which was approved in 1987. But there haven't been any new advancements in other types of antidepressants that work in different ways.
Spravato (esketamine), a nasal spray to treat treatment-resistant depression, offers the first new mechanism of action in 30 years to treat major depressive disorder (MDD).
Currently, esketamine is believed to work differently than the current antidepressants available on the market.
The FDA approved it to treat depression in adults who have tried at least two antidepressant medicines (taken for a good amount of time) that did not work. This suggests that these adults have treatment-resistant depression. Esketamine is to be given with another oral antidepressant (taken by mouth).
Esketamine is available in a 28-milligram, single-use nasal spray.
Johnson & Johnson’s esketamine is very close in structure to ketamine, which is known as a psychedelic club drug. This medication is only available through a restricted distribution system under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). That's because this medication may cause serious side effects, such as drowsiness and disassociation (a sense of being detached from yourself and your emotions). There is also a potential for abuse and misuse of this medication:
- Those who receive this medication are to be monitored for two hours after the dose is given.
- This medication will not be dispensed directly to patients. Instead, it will only be given in certified medical offices and settings.
- Patients will be enrolled in a registry.
The patient is required to sign a Patient Enrollment Form to acknowledge that they understand they need to make arrangements to safely leave the medical office to get home. They also have to certify that they know they can't drive or use heavy machinery for the rest of the day.
Other potentially serious side effects tied to esketamine include suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These potential effects are noted in esketamine's boxed warning (the strongest medication warning). Dizziness, nausea, increased blood pressure, vomiting and feeling drunk are among this medication's other potential side effects.
Esketamine's approval was granted to Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
