February 12, 2019
A new depression medication inching toward Food and Drug Administration approval would be the first new treatment option for depression in 35 years.
Inspired by ketamine, a Schedule III dissociative anesthetic, Esketamine is a nasal spray designed to treat severe forms of depression that haven't responded to past treatments, Business Insider reports.
While Esketamine, which is formulated by Johnson & Johnson, is nearly identical, chemically, to ketamine, it is believed to have fewer side effects than the original compound, Business Insider explains.
RELATED READ: Panel to assist women experiencing pregnancy-related depression
According to Med Page Today, unlike other antidepressants, Esketamine will work very quickly — hours to days, compared to several weeks for standard agents such as "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors," the current gold standard in depression treatments.
Some experts say they are concerned about negative side effects of the drugs.
