US approves ketamine-like drug for depression

[nitpicker]

https://www.dw.com/en/us-approves-ketamine-like-drug-for-depression/a-47787497

US approves ketamine-like drug for depression

Date 06.03.2019

In a landmark decision on Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the chemical esketamine for treating people who suffer from depression and are resistant to other types of treatment. At the same time, the FDA warned of potential "abuse and misuse" of the drug similar to ketamine. The anesthetic can cause mild psychedelic effects, a feeling of separating the mind from the body and is often abused as a party drug labeled "Special K."

The approval of esketamine marks the first time a new type of antidepressant would hit the US market since the approval of Prozac and Prozac-like drugs three decades ago. US pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) said its esketamine-based "Spravato" nasal spray was found to relieve depression symptoms within 24 hours in some patients.
(snip)

Unlike Prozac, which blocks the absorption of serotonin in the brain, Spravato aims to restore nerve connections in the brain areas related to mood, according to J&J. However, the immediate impact of ketamine is estimated to last four to seven days and the benefit from long-term treatment it is not yet clear.

The FDA said there are "risks of serious adverse outcomes" when using Spravato, such as sedation and dissociation. The drug should only be used under medical supervision and patients would not be allowed to take it home.
(snip)

[Squinch]

1. Because, what could go wrong?

[janterry]

2. I feel like we're headed for

Wall-E world in some ways.

[Freddie]

3. I read about this

Works for people for whom other antidepressants don’t work. My Mom suffered for years with horrible depression and had awful side effects from the antidepressants that were available at the time. I’m for anything that can help. Mom (RIP) finally got some relief with Wellbutrin but it took years.

[OregonBlue]

4. My son is bi-polar and has tried them all over the last 25 years.

Nothing truly works. We are at the point where he is willing to try anything, no matter the risks. People who don't live with chronic severe depression just have no idea how painful it is.