Esketamine Offers Relief For Your Depression

By Colleen Blanchfield, MD

Full Circle Neuropsychiatric Wellness Center

. http://www.cblanchfieldmd.com

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Esketamine Offers Relief For Your Depression

Although we have come far in our understanding of the brain, much remains unknown. Through research and development, significant strides have been made to better understand mental health disorders and how to treat them.

In the United States, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health disorders. In any given year 16.2 million Americans suffer from depression. Patients dealing with depression may need several trials of antidepressant medications before they have a positive response.  Of those who seek treatment for depression only 60% will respond to an antidepressant medication and this may not occur until after several medication trials.

The 40% who do not respond are considered to have treatment resistant depression (TRD) and continue to experience symptoms of sadness, decreased motivation and energy levels, or persistent thoughts of death or suicide.  TRD can often affect core aspects of life and give a person little desire to live. TRD can worsen the outcomes of other medical conditions and is known to reduce life expectancy. It is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States, as well as worldwide, and for years psychiatrists have struggled to help these patients.

In March 2019 the FDA approved Esketamine (Spravato) for patients with TRD.  Most important, Esketamine has a novel mechanism of action offering patients relief from their depression.  Esketamine is used for TRD and allows intranasal dosing that is noninvasive and self-administered in a doctor’s office under the direct supervision of clinical staff and is to be used concomitantly with a patient’s current antidepressant.

To be considered for this medication, you must have tried and failed at least two anti-depressant medications.

Many of those who have decided to try Esketamine report that they feel as though they are themselves again. They are participating in more activities with friends and family, report that they are more focused and energized, and that their moods have significantly improved.

If you feel that you may have treatment resistant depression and would like to know more about esketamine treatments, reach out to a health professional today.