Study Finds Nasal Esketamine More Effective in Treating Treatment-Resistant Depression – Shiv Telegram Media
2 min read
Title: Nasal spray version of esketamine shows promise in treating treatment-resistant depression, study finds
In a breakthrough study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers have found that a nasal spray version of esketamine is more effective in treating treatment-resistant depression compared to a commonly used drug. Esketamine, a stronger form of ketamine, has been used as an anesthetic for many years to treat depression.
The nasal spray, called Spravato, received approval from the Food and Drug Administration in 2019 as a treatment option for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. The study involved 336 adults with treatment-resistant depression, who were either administered esketamine along with their current antidepressant medication or the drug quetiapine.
At the eight-week mark, the study revealed that 27.1% of the group receiving esketamine were in remission, compared to only 17.6% of the group receiving quetiapine. These positive results were further supported at the 32-week mark, with 21.7% of the esketamine group remaining in remission, compared to 14.1% of the quetiapine group.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the rates of remission seen in the study were still relatively low. The study also faced limitations, as it only compared esketamine to one other drug, and the patients involved were predominantly white, raising questions about whether these results could be generalized to other racial groups.
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the method of drug administration. Patients receiving esketamine had to visit the hospital twice a week, potentially receiving more attention than those taking quetiapine at home. Furthermore, the long-term safety of esketamine remains unknown, and there are potential risks associated with its use, including brain and bladder injury.
Furthermore, insurance coverage for Spravato may be limited, and it is important to note that ketamine is classified as a controlled substance in the United States. These factors may impact the accessibility and affordability of this treatment option for patients.
Despite these limitations and concerns, this study offers hope for individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression. It suggests that esketamine could be a valuable treatment option for some patients, providing an alternative to currently available medications. Further research is still needed to fully understand the efficacy, long-term safety, and potential side effects associated with esketamine administration.
As the medical community continues to explore new avenues for treating mental health conditions, the findings of this study represent a significant step forward in improving the lives of those who struggle with treatment-resistant depression.
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