Esketamine to be Rolled Out, with Caution

Over a year ago FDA cleared Esketamine, a fast-acting antidepressant for people who have severe, treatment-resistant depression. Esketamine is derived from Ketamine, a commonly used reactional drug with psychotropic side effects, though researches as that the Ketamine base in Esketamine is in such low doses that typical side effects seen with Ketamine will be non-existent. However, this landmark decision by the FDA to clear a new antidepressant comes not without barriers. The new drug is costly, more expensive than most would be able to afford, and because of the addictive nature of Ketamine, Esketamine can only be administered and taken in a doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic. It must be inhaled, like a nasal spray, and you have to stay put for two hours after you’ve taken the drug for observation. Additionally, you are also not allowed to drive on the two days a week you’re required to take it.

Doctors will administer Esketamine at the steep cost of $4,720 to $6, 785 per dose, follow up appointments costing between $2,360 to $3,540. Despite the cost being comparable to something like Electroconvulsive Therapy(ECT), Esketamine sounds far less intimidating. It’s worth noting that prior to this approvable by the FDA there have been very few options for people with treatment-resistant depression, aside from years and years of trial and error. Eventually, people with this kind of depression, typically severe and disabling, are left with only extreme measures like ECT or even off label prescriptions for actual Ketamine infusions under the care of a doctor.

But transportation, time, and money are all barrier, while concerns over long term effects remain valid. While doctors aren’t precisely sure which kind of patients would benefit most from a course of Esketamine, the new drug might serve its purpose even further by providing people with depression relief as they wait for traditional antidepressants to do their job. Esketamine could possibly help people who are acutely suicidal and pose a serious risk to themselves or others. Working alongside antidepressant, Esketamine would work as a helping hand, a team member rather than a sole player.