You are not alone. More than 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. In fact, it is the leading cause of disability. Depression is treatable, and esketamine is an effective form of treatment.
What is it?
Esketamine is a nasal spray to be used together with an oral antidepressant to relieve severe symptoms of depression, including suicidal thoughts or actions. It is the first Food and Drug Administration-approved nasal spray specifically for adults 18 and older who have treatment-resistant depression.
Who can benefit?
Esketamine is meant for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. You may have treatment-resistant depression if two or more prescribed antidepressants have not reduced your symptoms of major depression. Typically, antidepressants aim to increase levels of chemicals in the brain that improve mood. Esketamine nasal spray works with these medications to help reduce depressive symptoms.
How long does it take to work?
Research shows that adults who took esketamine along with an oral antidepressant for four weeks had a 50% reduction of depressive symptoms than compared to those who only took antidepressants. You may notice a reduction in symptoms 24 hours after your first treatment. Your clinician will discuss possible side effects at your initial appointment.
Where is it offered?
LVPG Adult and Pediatric Psychiatry–Muhlenberg offers esketamine. This medication must be administered under the supervision of your clinician in our treatment center twice per week for the first phase of your treatment.
Where to reach us:
LVPG Adult and Pediatric Psychiatry–Muhlenberg
2710 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem, Pa.