The First Nasal Spray Medication for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Ketamine is a medication that has been used as a surgical anesthesia around the world for more than 50 years with children, adults, and animals.  About 20 years ago, ketamine’s ability to relieve depression, anxiety, and some pain disorders in less than 24 hours after administration was stumbled upon by researchers. Follow-up studies replicating the rapid results have changed researchers’ understanding of depression, revitalizing an area of medical research that had been stagnant for almost three decades.

Esketamine or Spravato®, is derived from ketamine and makes powerful antidepressant relief available to be delivered intra-nasally, similar to a common nasal decongestant. Beautiful Minds offers esketamine therapy, and this novel therapy for treatment-resistant depression can be combined with other treatment modalities, such as antidepressants, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), or other therapies.