Esketamine is a medication that is used to treat treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults. It is a form of ketamine, which is a general anaesthetic that has been shown to have rapid antidepressant effects. Esketamine is administered as a nasal spray or by injection and is typically used in combination with an oral antidepressant. It is typically reserved for patients who have not responded to other treatments for depression and is used on an as-needed basis in conjunction with regular therapy sessions. Esketamine is a controlled substance and can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Esketamine mechanism of action
The exact mechanism by which esketamine works to relieve depression symptoms is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve changes in brain chemistry and the activity of certain neurotransmitters.
One possible mechanism is that Esketamine works by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter glutamate in the brain. Glutamate is involved in the regulation of mood and behavior, and inhibiting its reuptake leads to an increase in its concentration in the brain. This increase in glutamate is thought to be responsible for the rapid antidepressant effects of esketamine.
In addition to its effects on glutamate, esketamine is also believed to have an effect on other neurotransmitter systems in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. It is not fully understood how these additional mechanisms contribute to the antidepressant effects of the drug.
The Role of Esketamine in a Comprehensive Depression Treatment Plan
Esketamine is typically reserved for patients who have not responded to other treatments for depression and is used on an as-needed basis in conjunction with regular therapy sessions. It is not intended to be used as a standalone treatment for depression, but rather as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and/or medication management.
The role of esketamine in a comprehensive depression treatment plan is to provide rapid symptom relief for patients who have not responded to other treatments. It is usually used in combination with other therapies in order to help patients achieve and maintain symptom improvement over the long-term. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs and goals.
