US approves ketamine-like drug for depression [View all]

[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.
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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.
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