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Many people experience little or no relief from conventional anti-depressants. But there may be hope for tens of thousands of people who suffer with the devastating effects of depression. A new nasal treatment, Esketamine, made by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, recently won Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval according to a March, 2019 New York Times article.
The new drug will be marketed under the name Spravato and is the first prescription for depression derived from Ketamine, an old and widely use anesthetic.
Strict Treatment Guidelines
But because both Esketamine and Ketamine have potential side effects that include out-of-body sensations and hallucinations, and have the potential for abuse, the FDA issued strict safety requirements requiring the fast-acting nasal spray be administered to chronic depression patients in a hospital, clinic or doctor’s office. The recommended treatment is twice a week for four weeks, with boosters as needed, in conjunction with one of the commonly used oral anti-depressants. Patients will be monitored for at least two hours and cautioned not to drive on the day of treatment, and the treatment must be entered into a registry.
Return on Investment
The cost of Spravato is also a concern expressed by some doctors. The wholesale price of the one-month treatments will range between $4,720 and $6,785 depending on the dosage, according to Janssen. Follow-up treatment will cost an additional $2,360 to $3,540, making the overall cost comparable to existng treatments like electroconvulvsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Dr. Mark George, a Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at the Medical University of South Carolina said “I have spent 30 years investigating depression and I am massively aware of how devastating depression can be.” He added: “So for now I am graeful to have a new tool in the tool kit.” “If it turns out the new drug helps even one of ten people with this disease, and we can figure out who these people are, it’s very much worth it.”
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.
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