Esketamine hydrochloride

Esketamine hydrochloride is a pharmaceutical drug used in the treatment of depression. It is a stereoisomer of ketamine, a general anesthetic that has been used in human and veterinary medicine since the 1960s. Esketamine hydrochloride is marketed under the brand name Spravato by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a division of Johnson & Johnson.

Pharmacology

Esketamine hydrochloride acts primarily as a NMDA receptor antagonist. The NMDA receptor is a type of glutamate receptor that is important for memory function and learning. By blocking this receptor, esketamine hydrochloride can alter mood and perception, providing relief from symptoms of depression.

Clinical Use

Esketamine hydrochloride is used in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression, a condition where patients do not respond to at least two different trials of antidepressants. It is administered as a nasal spray in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.

Side Effects

Common side effects of esketamine hydrochloride include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and dissociation. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects such as hypertension and cognitive impairment.

Regulation

In 2019, esketamine hydrochloride was approved by the FDA for use in the United States. It is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence.

See Also

• Ketamine
• Depression
• Treatment-resistant depression
• NMDA receptor