{{Short description|Medication}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}} {{cs1 config|name-list-style=vanc|display-authors=6}} {{Infobox drug | Verifiedfields = verified | Watchedfields = verified | verifiedrevid = 461095357 | image = Esketamine2DCSD.svg | image_class = skin-invert-image | width = 150 | image2 = S-ketamine-from-HCl-xtal-3D-balls.png | image_class2 = bg-transparent | width2 = 175
<!-- Clinical data -->| pronounce = | tradename = Spravato, Ketanest, Spravado, others | Drugs.com = {{drugs.com|monograph|esketamine-hydrochloride}} | MedlinePlus = a619017 | licence_EU = yes | DailyMedID = Esketamine | licence_US = Esketamine | pregnancy_AU = B3 | pregnancy_AU_comment = <ref name="Spravato APM summary" /><ref name="AusPAR: Esketamine hydrochloride" /><ref>{{cite web | title=Updates to the Prescribing Medicines in Pregnancy database | website=Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) | date=12 May 2022 | url=https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/resource/guidance/updates-prescribing-medicines-pregnancy-database | access-date=13 May 2022 | archive-date=3 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403064059/https://www.tga.gov.au/updates-prescribing-medicines-pregnancy-database | url-status=live }}</ref> | pregnancy_category = | addiction_liability = Moderate<ref name="pmid35509224">{{cite journal | vauthors = Orsolini L, Salvi V, Volpe U | title = Craving and addictive potential of esketamine as side effects? | journal = Expert Opinion on Drug Safety | volume = 21 | issue = 6 | pages = 803–812 | date = June 2022 | pmid = 35509224 | doi = 10.1080/14740338.2022.2071422 }}</ref> | routes_of_administration = Intranasal, intravenous<ref name="HimmelseherPfenninger2008" /> | class = NMDA receptor antagonist; Antidepressant; General anesthetic; Dissociative hallucinogen; Analgesic | ATC_prefix = N01 | ATC_suffix = AX14 | ATC_supplemental = {{ATC|N06|AX27}}
<!-- Legal status -->| legal_AU = S8 | legal_AU_comment = <ref name="Spravato APM summary">{{cite web | title=Spravato | website=Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) | date=17 March 2021 | url=https://www.tga.gov.au/apm-summary/spravato | access-date=8 September 2021 | archive-date=9 September 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909050655/https://www.tga.gov.au/apm-summary/spravato | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AusPAR: Esketamine hydrochloride">{{cite web | title=AusPAR: Esketamine hydrochloride | website=Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) | date=24 May 2021 | url=https://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-esketamine-hydrochloride | access-date=8 September 2021 | archive-date=9 September 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909052157/https://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-esketamine-hydrochloride | url-status=live }}</ref> | legal_BR = B1 | legal_BR_comment = <ref>{{cite web |author=Anvisa |author-link=Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency |date=31 March 2023 |title=RDC Nº 784 - Listas de Substâncias Entorpecentes, Psicotrópicas, Precursoras e Outras sob Controle Especial |trans-title=Collegiate Board Resolution No. 784 - Lists of Narcotic, Psychotropic, Precursor, and Other Substances under Special Control|url=https://www.in.gov.br/en/web/dou/-/resolucao-rdc-n-784-de-31-de-marco-de-2023-474904992 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803143925/https://www.in.gov.br/en/web/dou/-/resolucao-rdc-n-784-de-31-de-marco-de-2023-474904992 |archive-date=3 August 2023 |access-date=16 August 2023 |publisher=Diário Oficial da União |language=pt-BR |publication-date=4 April 2023}}</ref> | legal_CA = Rx-only | legal_CA_comment = <ref>{{cite web | title=Regulatory Decision Summary - Spravato - | website=Health Canada | date=23 October 2014 | url=https://hpr-rps.hres.ca/reg-content/regulatory-decision-summary-detail.php?linkID=RDS00738 | access-date=5 June 2022 | archive-date=6 June 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606053958/https://hpr-rps.hres.ca/reg-content/regulatory-decision-summary-detail.php?linkID=RDS00738 | url-status=live }}</ref> | legal_DE = <!-- Anlage I, II, III or Unscheduled --> | legal_DE_comment = | legal_NZ = <!-- Class A, B, C --> | legal_NZ_comment = | legal_UK = POM | legal_UK_comment = <ref>{{cite web | title=Spravato 28 mg nasal spray, solution - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) | website=(emc) | url=https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10977/smpc | access-date=24 November 2020 | archive-date=28 August 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828075714/https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10977/smpc | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Vesierra 25 mg/ml solution for injection/infusion - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) | website=(emc) | date=21 February 2020 | url=https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9413/smpc | access-date=24 November 2020 | archive-date=21 April 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421011315/https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9413/smpc }}</ref> | legal_US = Schedule III | legal_US_comment = <ref name="Spravato FDA label" /> | legal_EU = Rx-only | legal_EU_comment = <ref name="Spravato EPAR">{{cite web | title=Spravato EPAR | website=European Medicines Agency (EMA) | date=16 October 2019 | url=https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/spravato | access-date=24 November 2020 | archive-date=23 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123231245/https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/spravato | url-status=live }}</ref> | legal_UN = <!-- N I, II, III, IV / P I, II, III, IV --> | legal_UN_comment = | legal_status = Rx-only
<!-- Pharmacokinetic data -->| bioavailability = Intranasal: 30–50% | protein_bound = | metabolism = | metabolites = | onset = | elimination_half-life = 5 hours | duration_of_action = | excretion = <!-- Identifiers --> | index2_label = HCl | CAS_number_Ref = {{cascite|correct|CAS}} | CAS_number = 33643-46-8 | CAS_number2_Ref = {{cascite|correct|CAS}} | CAS_number2 = 33643-47-9 | PubChem = 182137 | IUPHAR_ligand = 9152 | DrugBank_Ref = {{drugbankcite|correct|drugbank}} | DrugBank = DB01221 | DrugBank2_Ref = {{drugbankcite|correct|drugbank}} | DrugBank2 = DBSALT002086 | ChemSpiderID_Ref = {{chemspidercite|correct|chemspider}} | ChemSpiderID = 158414 | ChemSpiderID2_Ref = {{chemspidercite|correct|chemspider}} | ChemSpiderID2 = 26332012 | UNII_Ref = {{fdacite|correct|FDA}} | UNII = 50LFG02TXD | UNII2_Ref = {{fdacite|correct|FDA}} | UNII2 = L8P1H35P2Z | KEGG_Ref = {{keggcite|correct|kegg}} | KEGG = D07283 | KEGG2_Ref = {{keggcite|correct|kegg}} | KEGG2 = D10627 | ChEBI_Ref = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}} | ChEBI = 60799 | ChEBI2_Ref = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}} | ChEBI2 = 60800 | ChEMBL_Ref = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}} | ChEMBL = 395091 | ChEMBL2_Ref = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}} | ChEMBL2 = 2364609 | NIAID_ChemDB = | PDB_ligand = JC9 | synonyms = (''S'')-Ketamine; ''S''(+)-Ketamine; JNJ-54135419
<!-- Chemical and physical data -->| IUPAC_name = (''S'')-2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)cyclohexanone | C = 13 | H = 16 | Cl = 1 | N = 1 | O = 1 | SMILES = CN[C@]1(c2ccccc2Cl)CCCCC1=O | StdInChI_Ref = {{stdinchicite|changed|chemspider}} | StdInChI = 1S/C13H16ClNO/c1-15-13(9-5-4-8-12(13)16)10-6-2-3-7-11(10)14/h2-3,6-7,15H,4-5,8-9H2,1H3/t13-/m0/s1 | StdInChI_comment = | StdInChIKey_Ref = {{stdinchicite|changed|chemspider}} | StdInChIKey = YQEZLKZALYSWHR-ZDUSSCGKSA-N }}<!-- Definition and medical uses -->
'''Esketamine''', sold under the brand names '''Spravato''' (for depression) and '''Ketanest''' (for anesthesia) among others,<ref name="Spravato FDA label">{{cite web | title=Spravato- esketamine hydrochloride solution | website=DailyMed | date=6 August 2020 | url=https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d81a6a79-a74a-44b7-822c-0dfa3036eaed | access-date=26 September 2020 | archive-date=18 March 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318154126/https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d81a6a79-a74a-44b7-822c-0dfa3036eaed | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Esketamin - Anwendung, Wirkung, Nebenwirkungen {{!}} Gelbe Liste |url=https://www.gelbe-liste.de/wirkstoffe/Esketamin_45078 |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Gelbe Liste Online |language=de |archive-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724172404/https://www.gelbe-liste.de/wirkstoffe/Esketamin_45078 |url-status=live | vauthors = Online GL }}</ref> is the ''S''(+) enantiomer of ketamine.<ref name="HimmelseherPfenninger2008">{{cite journal |vauthors=Himmelseher S, Pfenninger E |date=December 1998 |title=[The clinical use of S-(+)-ketamine--a determination of its place] |journal=Anästhesiologie, Intensivmedizin, Notfallmedizin, Schmerztherapie |language=de |volume=33 |issue=12 |pages=764–70 |doi=10.1055/s-2007-994851 |pmid=9893910 |s2cid=259981872}}</ref><ref name="pmid33155503" /> It is a dissociative medication used as a general anesthetic and as an antidepressant. Esketamine is the active enantiomer of ketamine in terms of NMDA receptor antagonism and is more potent than racemic ketamine.<ref name="pmid9806706">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kohrs R, Durieux ME | title = Ketamine: teaching an old drug new tricks | journal = Anesthesia and Analgesia | volume = 87 | issue = 5 | pages = 1186–1193 | date = November 1998 | pmid = 9806706 | doi = 10.1213/00000539-199811000-00039 | doi-access = free }}</ref> However, racemic ketamine may produce larger and more sustained antidepressant effects than esketamine.<ref name=":1" />
As an anesthetic, esketamine is indicated for high-risk patients or as a supplement to incomplete regional anesthesia. As an antidepressant, it is specifically used as both a monotherapy and combination therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) as well as major depressive disorder (MDD) with co-occurring suicidal ideation or behavior.<ref name="Spravato FDA label" /><ref name="pmid33726522">{{cite journal| vauthors = McIntyre RS, Rosenblat JD, Nemeroff CB, Sanacora G, Murrough JW, Berk M, Brietzke E, Dodd S, Gorwood P, Ho R, Iosifescu DV, Lopez Jaramillo C, Kasper S, Kratiuk K, Lee JG, Lee Y, Lui LM, Mansur RB, Papakostas GI, Subramaniapillai M, Thase M, Vieta E, Young AH, Zarate CA, Stahl S | title = Synthesizing the Evidence for Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation | journal = Am J Psychiatry | volume = 178 | issue = 5 | pages = 383–399 | date = May 2021 | pmid = 33726522 | doi = 10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20081251 | pmc = 9635017 | s2cid = 232262694 | url = | quote = A legitimate criticism, as it relates to interpreting the effect sizes reported with single or repeat-dose ketamine in treatment-resistant depression, is the possibility that nonspecific effects such as functional unblinding (e.g., by patients experiencing dissociation or euphoric responses) and expectancymayinadvertentlyinflate the efficacy of ketamine (51, 52). [...] Given the absence of an adequately designed head-to-head trial, the relative efficacies of intranasal esketamine and intravenous racemic ketamine are not known (65). [...] A recent meta-analysis comparing intranasal and intravenous ketamine formulations was unable to identify a significant difference between formulations as well as routes of delivery in efficacy at 24 hours, 7 days, and 28 days (17). A separate meta-analysis concluded that intravenous ketamine may be superior in efficacy and have lower dropout rates (66). However, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions from these analyses given the heterogeneity across component studies.}}</ref> Its efficacy as combination therapy for TRD is modest and similar to that of atypical antipsychotics; evidence for its efficacy as a monotherapy is very limited.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> Antisuicidal efficacy remains unproven.<ref name="pmid33726522" /> Esketamine is not used by infusion into a vein for depression as it is only FDA-approved in the form of a nasal spray under direct medical supervision for this indication (the parent compound ketamine is most often administered intravenously).<ref name="Spravato FDA label" /><ref name="HimmelseherPfenninger2008" />
<!-- Side effects and mechanism --> Adverse effects of esketamine include dissociation, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, numbness, anxiety, lethargy, increased blood pressure, and feelings of drunkenness.<ref name="Spravato FDA label" /> Less often, esketamine can cause bladder problems.<ref name="Spravato FDA label" /><ref name="pmid33484298">{{cite journal| vauthors = Ng J, Lui LM, Rosenblat JD, Teopiz KM, Lipsitz O, Cha DS, Xiong J, Nasri F, Lee Y, Kratiuk K, Rodrigues NB, Gill H, Subramaniapillai M, Mansur RB, Ho R, Cao B, McIntyre RS | title = Ketamine-induced urological toxicity: potential mechanisms and translation for adults with mood disorders receiving ketamine treatment | journal = Psychopharmacology (Berl) | volume = 238 | issue = 4 | pages = 917–926 | date = April 2021 | pmid = 33484298 | doi = 10.1007/s00213-021-05767-1 | s2cid = 231688343 | url = }}</ref> Esketamine acts primarily as a NMDA receptor antagonist.<ref name="HimmelseherPfenninger2008" /><ref name="pmid33155503">{{cite journal | vauthors = Jelen LA, Young AH, Stone JM | title = Ketamine: A tale of two enantiomers | journal = J Psychopharmacol | volume = 35 | issue = 2 | pages = 109–123 | date = February 2021 | pmid = 33155503 | pmc = 7859674 | doi = 10.1177/0269881120959644 | url = }}</ref> Esketamine has faster clearance and stronger dopamine inhibition than arketamine, contributing to its dissociative and psychotomimetic effects.
<!-- History, society, and culture --> In the form of racemic ketamine, esketamine was first synthesized in 1962 and introduced for medical use as an anesthetic in 1970.<ref name="pmid28418641">{{cite journal | vauthors = Tyler MW, Yourish HB, Ionescu DF, Haggarty SJ | title = Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Ketamine | journal = ACS Chem Neurosci | volume = 8 | issue = 6 | pages = 1122–1134 | date = June 2017 | pmid = 28418641 | doi = 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00074 | url = }}</ref> Enantiopure esketamine was introduced for medical use as an anesthetic in 1997 and as an antidepressant in 2019.<ref name="HimmelseherPfenninger2008" /><ref name="Spravato FDA label" /><ref name="FDA PR" /> It is used as an anesthetic in the European Union and as an antidepressant in the United States and Canada.<ref name="FDA PR" /><ref name="Drugs.com" /><ref name="pmid33174760">{{cite journal|vauthors=Swainson J, McGirr A, Blier P, Brietzke E, Richard-Devantoy S, Ravindran N, Blier J, Beaulieu S, Frey BN, Kennedy SH, McIntyre RS, Milev RV, Parikh SV, Schaffer A, Taylor VH, Tourjman V, van Ameringen M, Yatham LN, Ravindran AV, Lam RW |title=The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Task Force Recommendations for the Use of Racemic Ketamine in Adults with Major Depressive Disorder: Recommandations Du Groupe De Travail Du Réseau Canadien Pour Les Traitements De L'humeur Et De L'anxiété (Canmat) Concernant L'utilisation De La Kétamine Racémique Chez Les Adultes Souffrant De Trouble Dépressif Majeur |journal=Can J Psychiatry |pages=113–125 |date=November 2020 |volume=66 |issue=2 |pmid=33174760 |doi=10.1177/0706743720970860 |pmc=7918868 }}</ref> Due to misuse liability as a dissociative, esketamine is a controlled substance.<ref name="pmid28418641" /><ref name="Spravato FDA label" />
==Medical uses==
===Anesthesia=== Esketamine is used for similar indications as ketamine.<ref name="HimmelseherPfenninger2008" /> Such uses include induction of anesthesia in high-risk patients such as those with circulatory shock, severe bronchospasm, or as a supplement to regional anesthesia with incomplete nerve blocks.<ref name="HimmelseherPfenninger2008" />
Esketamine binds more strongly to NMDA receptors than racemic ketamine, making it roughly twice as potent with faster recovery and fewer cognitive side effects; its pain relief benefits are somewhat inconsistent.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Mion G, Himmelseher S | title = Esketamine: Less Drowsiness, More Analgesia | journal = Anesthesia and Analgesia | volume = 139 | issue = 1 | pages = 78–91 | date = July 2024 | pmid = 38295061 | doi = 10.1213/ANE.0000000000006851 }}</ref>
===Depression=== {{See also|Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy}} In the US, esketamine (brand name Spravato) is a nasal spray indicated, as monotherapy, or in conjunction with an oral antidepressant as a therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) as well as major depressive disorder (MDD) associated with suicidal ideation or behavior in adults.<ref name="Spravato FDA label" /> In the clinical trials that led to approval of esketamine, TRD was defined as major depressive disorder with inadequate response to at least two different conventional antidepressants.<ref name="Spravato FDA label" /> The nasal spray formulation of esketamine used for depression delivers two sprays containing a total of 28 mg esketamine and doses of 56 mg (2 devices) to 84 mg (3 devices) are used.<ref name="Spravato FDA label" />
Esketamine has modest short-term efficacy on TRD (similar in efficacy to atypical antipsychotics); there is limited long-term safety data available and some concerning signals regarding adverse events and abuse potential.<ref name=":0">{{cite journal | vauthors = Fountoulakis KN, Saitis A, Schatzberg AF | date = March 2025 | title = Esketamine Treatment for Depression in Adults: A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | journal = The American Journal of Psychiatry | volume = 182 | issue = 3 | pages = 259–275 | doi = 10.1176/appi.ajp.20240515 | pmid = 39876682 }}</ref> Due to concerns about sedation, dissociation, and misuse, esketamine is available for treatment of depression only from certified providers through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called Spravato REMS.<ref name="Spravato FDA label" />
class=skin-invert-image|thumb|left|400px|Short-term antidepressant efficacy (as measured by change in MADRS total score from baseline over 4 weeks) with esketamine nasal spray (56 or 84 mg) added to an existing oral antidepressant (n = 114) versus placebo nasal spray added to an existing oral antidepressant (n = 109) in people with treatment-resistant depression in the single positive efficacy trial.<ref name="Spravato FDA label" /><ref name="TouchstoneTMS">{{cite web|url = https://touchstonetms.com/spravato-clinical-studies/|title = SPRAVATO™ Clinical Studies | Touchstone TMS|date = 13 January 2020|access-date = 27 November 2021|archive-date = 27 November 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211127053113/https://touchstonetms.com/spravato-clinical-studies/|url-status = live}}</ref> In two other short-term efficacy trials, esketamine was not superior to placebo.<ref name="pmid32456714">{{cite journal | vauthors = Horowitz MA, Moncrieff J | title = Are we repeating mistakes of the past? A review of the evidence for esketamine | journal = Br J Psychiatry | volume = 219| issue = 5| pages = 614–617 | date = May 2020 | pmid = 32456714 | doi = 10.1192/bjp.2020.89 | s2cid = 218910799 | doi-access=free}}</ref><ref name="pmid31841104">{{cite journal | vauthors = Gastaldon C, Papola D, Ostuzzi G, Barbui C | title = Esketamine for treatment resistant depression: a trick of smoke and mirrors? | journal = Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci | volume = 29 | issue = | article-number = e79 | date = December 2019 | pmid = 31841104 | pmc = 8061126 | doi = 10.1017/S2045796019000751 | url = }}</ref><ref name="pmid34447651">{{cite journal | vauthors = Sapkota A, Khurshid H, Qureshi IA, Jahan N, Went TR, Sultan W, Alfonso M | title = Efficacy and Safety of Intranasal Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults: A Systematic Review | journal = Cureus | volume = 13 | issue = 8 | article-number = e17352 | date = August 2021 | pmid = 34447651 | pmc = 8381465 | doi = 10.7759/cureus.17352 | doi-access = free | url = }}</ref>
class=skin-invert-image|thumb|right|400px|Short-term antidepressant efficacy (as measured by change in MADRS total score from baseline over 4 weeks) with esketamine nasal spray (84 mg twice weekly) added to an existing oral antidepressant (n = 177–225) versus placebo nasal spray added to an existing oral antidepressant (n = 175–225) in people with major depressive disorder and suicidality in one of the two positive efficacy trials.<ref name="Spravato FDA label" /><ref name="pmid34412104">{{cite journal | vauthors = Canuso CM, Ionescu DF, Li X, Qiu X, Lane R, Turkoz I, Nash AI, Lopena TJ, Fu DJ | title = Esketamine Nasal Spray for the Rapid Reduction of Depressive Symptoms in Major Depressive Disorder With Acute Suicidal Ideation or Behavior | journal = J Clin Psychopharmacol | volume = 41 | issue = 5 | pages = 516–524 | date = 2021 | pmid = 34412104 | pmc = 8407443 | doi = 10.1097/JCP.0000000000001465 | url = }}</ref> Findings were similar in the other positive short-term efficacy trial.<ref name="Spravato FDA label" /><ref name="pmid34412104" />
Expectations were initially very high for ketamine and esketamine for treatment of depression based on early small-scale clinical studies, with discovery of the rapid and ostensibly robust antidepressant effects of ketamine described by some authors as "the most important advance in the field of psychiatry in the past half century".<ref name="pmid29736744">{{cite journal | vauthors = Molero P, Ramos-Quiroga JA, Martin-Santos R, Calvo-Sánchez E, Gutiérrez-Rojas L, Meana JJ | title = Antidepressant Efficacy and Tolerability of Ketamine and Esketamine: A Critical Review | journal = CNS Drugs | volume = 32| issue = 5| pages = 411–420| date = May 2018 | pmid = 29736744 | doi = 10.1007/s40263-018-0519-3 | s2cid = 13679905 | url = | quote = In brief, these studies (Table 1) have globally assessed responses to a single dose of intravenous ketamine in 166 patients with TDR with multiple treatment failures, including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The findings provide evidence of improvement in depressive symptoms within hours, with a response rate > 60% in the first 4.5 and 24 h, and > 40% after 7 days, with a big effect size in comparison with placebo (Cohen's d 1.3–1.7) or active placebo (midazolam, d = 0.8). These figures, though preliminary, contrast with the average effect size of conventional antidepressants (Cohen's d 0.53–0.81 in patients with intense symptoms) [32] and their response latency (about 4–7 weeks) [1].}}</ref><ref name="pmid32401866">{{cite journal | vauthors = Lacerda AL | title = Esketamine/ketamine for treatment-resistant depression | journal = Braz J Psychiatry | volume = 42 | issue = 6 | pages = 579–580 | date = 2020 | pmid = 32401866 | pmc = 7678896 | doi = 10.1590/1516-4446-2020-0996| quote = Some authors have described the discovery of rapid and robust antidepressant effects of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine as the most important advance in the field of psychiatry in the past half century.}}</ref><ref name="pmid28395988">{{cite journal | vauthors = Singh I, Morgan C, Curran V, Nutt D, Schlag A, McShane R | title = Ketamine treatment for depression: opportunities for clinical innovation and ethical foresight | journal = Lancet Psychiatry | volume = 4 | issue = 5 | pages = 419–426 | date = May 2017 | pmid = 28395988 | doi = 10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30102-5 | hdl = 10871/30208 | s2cid = 28186580 | url = https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1552865/1/Singh_Ketamine_treatment_depression_AAM.pdf | quote = Ketamine has been hailed as the most important advance in the treatment of depression of the past 50 years.1| hdl-access = free }}</ref> According to a 2018 review, ketamine showed more than double the antidepressant effect size over placebo of conventional antidepressants in the treatment of depression based on the preliminary evidence available at the time (Cohen's ''d'' = 1.3–1.7 for ketamine, Cohen's ''d'' = 0.8 for midazolam (active placebo), and Cohen's ''d'' = 0.53–0.81 for conventional antidepressants).<ref name="pmid29736744" /> However, the efficacy of ketamine/esketamine for depression declined dramatically as studies became larger and more methodologically rigorous.<ref name="pmid34421147">{{cite journal | vauthors = Khan A, Mar KF, Brown WA | title = Consistently Modest Antidepressant Effects in Clinical Trials: the Role of Regulatory Requirements | journal = Psychopharmacol Bull | volume = 51 | issue = 3 | pages = 79–108 | date = June 2021 | pmid = 34421147 | doi = 10.64719/pb.4412| pmc = 8374926 | url = | quote = Even drugs with novel mechanisms of action such as the esketamine nasal spray show the same effect size and look nearly identical to other antidepressants when evaluated in the regulatory context (42% symptom reduction with placebo, 54% with drug, effect size 0.29). However, it must be taken under consideration that this trial was unique from the others in that it was an adjunctive study of esketamine nasal spray in treatment resistant patients. It is worth noting that two shortterm trials conducted for regulatory approval of esketamine but not included in the label did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.058 and P = 0.088).28 Independent analysis of these esketamine trial data submitted to the FDA show that despite expectations from smallscale preliminary studies, esketamine performs modestly in patients with treatment resistant depression in the context of large, regulatory trials.29 These authors also raised concerns about the potential lack of specificity of drug effects and the risk of side effects demonstrated in these trials. [...] False negatives are well-known risks of small sized studies. However, it is equally important to note that if we do not enroll adequate sample sizes we will continue run the serious risk of getting an inflated false positive resulting in an overestimate of treatment effects that is not replicable (as was the case with many of the earlier regulatory trials, which tended to have small sample sizes).25 This is especially pertinent for early pilot studies of investigational antidepressants (phase I and II trials), which are not always subject to the same regulatory statutes of later stage trials. This phenomenon is illustrated by the dramatic decline of treatment effect sizes seen with esketamine over the course of development (from small pilot studies to large regulatory trials). Although regulatory agencies allow for more lenient methods for exploratory purposes, this method may yield misleading conclusions because these small trials are invariably under-powered. Specifically, these exploratory trials may end up with an erroneously low placebo response and thus a falsely inflated estimate of effect size.46 This possibility is under appreciated by many investigators but should be strongly considered given the persistence of modest effect sizes in regulatory trials of antidepressants.}}</ref><ref name="pmid35665948">{{cite journal | vauthors = Moore TJ, Alami A, Alexander GC, Mattison DR | title = Safety and effectiveness of NMDA receptor antagonists for depression: A multidisciplinary review | journal = Pharmacotherapy | volume = 42 | issue = 7 | pages = 567–579 | date = July 2022 | pmid = 35665948 | doi = 10.1002/phar.2707 | pmc = 9540857 | s2cid = 249434988 | url = | quote = The promising results seen in the small, single-infusion, single-center trials of racemic ketamine were generally not replicated in the larger, multi-site trials of esketamine nasal spray. The esketamine trials were also subject to FDA site inspections, data integrity checks, and other forms of independent scrutiny.}}</ref>
In February 2019, an outside panel of experts recommended in a 14–2 vote that the FDA approve the nasal spray version of esketamine for treatment-resistant depression, provided that it be given in a clinical setting, with people remaining on site for at least two hours after.<ref name="urlBloomberg">{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-12/first-big-depression-advance-since-prozac-nears-fda-approval |vauthors=Koons C, Edney A |title=First Big Depression Advance Since Prozac Nears FDA Approval. |work=Bloomberg News |date=12 February 2019 |access-date=12 February 2019 |archive-date=13 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213070925/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-12/first-big-depression-advance-since-prozac-nears-fda-approval |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Belluz 2019">{{cite web | vauthors = Belluz J | title=Why a ketamine-like drug is being used to treat depression | website=Vox | date=6 March 2019 | url=https://www.vox.com/2019/3/6/18253041/ketamine-johnson-johnson-spravato | access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref> The reasoning for this requirement is that trial participants temporarily experienced sedation, visual disturbances, trouble speaking, confusion, numbness, and feelings of dizziness immediately after.<ref name="urlwww.fda.gov">{{cite web | author = Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee (PDAC) and Drug Safety and Risk Management (DSaRM) Advisory Committee | url = https://www.fda.gov/downloads/AdvisoryCommittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/Drugs/PsychopharmacologicDrugsAdvisoryCommittee/UCM630970.pdf | title = FDA Briefing Document | quote = Meeting, February 12, 2019. Agenda Topic: The committees will discuss the efficacy, safety, and risk-benefit profile of New Drug Application (NDA) 211243, esketamine 28 mg single-use nasal spray device, submitted by Janssen Pharmaceutica, for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression. | publisher = Food and Drug Administration | date = 12 February 2019 | access-date = 12 February 2019 | archive-date = 13 February 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190213224253/https://www.fda.gov/downloads/AdvisoryCommittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/Drugs/PsychopharmacologicDrugsAdvisoryCommittee/UCM630970.pdf }}</ref> The approval of esketamine for treatment-resistant depression by the FDA was controversial due to limited and mixed evidence of efficacy and safety.<ref name="Belluz 2019" /><ref name="pmid31841104" /><ref name="pmid32456714" /><ref name="pmid31680014">{{cite journal | vauthors = Turner EH | title = Esketamine for treatment-resistant depression: seven concerns about efficacy and FDA approval | journal = Lancet Psychiatry | volume = 6 | issue = 12 | pages = 977–979 | date = December 2019 | pmid = 31680014 | doi = 10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30394-3 | s2cid = 207889274 | url = }}</ref>
In January 2020, esketamine was rejected by the National Health Service (NHS) of Great Britain.<ref name="BBC2020">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/health-51279176|title=Anti-depressant spray not recommended on NHS|date=28 January 2020|website=BBC News|access-date=29 January 2020|archive-date=3 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203002529/https://www.bbc.com/news/health-51279176|url-status=live}}</ref> The NHS questioned the benefits of the medication for depression and claimed that it was too expensive.<ref name="BBC2020" /> People already using esketamine were allowed to complete treatment if their doctors considered this necessary.<ref name="BBC2020" />
Esketamine is approved in the United States for and shows promise as a rapid-acting monotherapy for treatment-resistant depression, but evidence is currently limited to a single trial.<ref name=":2">{{cite journal | vauthors = Shetty S, Sadasivam B | date = September 2025 | title = A New Era for Esketamine in Managing Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Systematic Review of Its Use From Adjunct to First-Line Therapy | journal = Cureus | volume = 17 | issue = 9 | article-number = e91829 | doi = 10.7759/cureus.91829 | pmc = 12579747 | pmid = 41185718 | doi-access = free }}</ref> It is an effective and generally safe long-term treatment for adults with treatment-resistant depression, feasible in outpatient settings; optimal oral antidepressant combinations and predictive biomarkers need further research.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Price MZ, Price RL | date = 2024-12-01 | title = Benefits and risks of esketamine nasal spray continuation in treatment-resistant depression | journal = Biomarkers in Neuropsychiatry | volume = 11 | article-number = 100104 | doi = 10.1016/j.bionps.2024.100104 | issn = 2666-1446 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
Spravato debuted at a cost of treatment of {{US$|32,400}} per year when it launched in the United States in March 2019.<ref name="Blankenship 2019">{{cite web | vauthors=Blankenship K | title=J&J scores Spravato trial win in high-risk depression. Will doctors and payers buy in? | website=FiercePharma | date=10 September 2019 | url=https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/j-j-scores-spravato-trial-win-high-risk-depression-will-doctors-and-payers-buy | access-date=27 November 2021 | quote=Pricing, though, may still be an issue. In early May, the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) declined to recommend Spravato for use at its steep list price of $32,400 per year. The U.S. cost watchdog said J&J would need to cut the sticker price between 25% and 52% to be considered cost-effective. | archive-date=27 November 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127051636/https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/j-j-scores-spravato-trial-win-high-risk-depression-will-doctors-and-payers-buy | url-status=live }}</ref> The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), which evaluates cost effectiveness of drugs analogously to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom, declined to recommend esketamine for depression due to its steep cost and modest efficacy, deeming it not sufficiently cost-effective.<ref name="Blankenship 2019" /><ref name="NICE2022">{{cite web | url=https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta854/chapter/1-Recommendations | title=1 Recommendations | Esketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression | Guidance | NICE | date=14 December 2022 | access-date=30 January 2023 | archive-date=29 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129005835/https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta854/chapter/1-Recommendations | url-status=live }}</ref>
Esketamine is the second drug to be approved for treatment-resistant depression by the FDA, following olanzapine/fluoxetine (Symbyax) in 2009.<ref name="pmid31680014" /><ref name="pmid33647726">{{cite journal | vauthors = Sanders B, Brula AQ | title = Intranasal esketamine: From origins to future implications in treatment-resistant depression | journal = J Psychiatr Res | volume = 137 | issue = | pages = 29–35 | date = May 2021 | pmid = 33647726 | doi = 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.02.020 | s2cid = 232088383 | url = }}</ref> Other agents, like the atypical antipsychotics aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel), have been approved for use in the adjunctive therapy of major depressive disorder in people with a partial response to treatment.<ref name="pmid31680014" />
In a meta-analysis conducted internally by the FDA during its evaluation of esketamine for treatment-resistant depression, the FDA reported a standardized mean difference (SMD) of esketamine for treatment-resistant depression of 0.28 using the three phase III short-term efficacy trials conducted by Janssen.<ref name="pmid31680014" /> This was similar to an SMD of 0.26 for olanzapine/fluoxetine for treatment-resistant depression and lower than SMDs of 0.35 for aripiprazole and 0.40 for quetiapine as adjuncts for major depressive disorder.<ref name="pmid31680014" /> These drugs are less expensive than esketamine and may serve as more affordable alternatives to it for depression with similar effectiveness.<ref name="pmid31680014" /> Both rTMS and intranasal esketamine are more effective than starting a new antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression, with rTMS potentially offering slightly greater or comparable symptom reduction compared to esketamine.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kaster TS, Dai Y, Vila-Rodriguez F, Downar J, Daskalakis ZJ, Blumberger DM, Rhee TG | date = December 2025 | title = Efficacy of intranasal esketamine versus rTMS for treatment-resistant depression: analysis of individual participant data from two clinical trials | language = English | journal = EClinicalMedicine | volume = 90 | article-number = 103609 | doi = 10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103609 | pmc = 12615302 | pmid = 41245530 }}</ref>
Racemic ketamine produces larger and more sustained antidepressant effects than esketamine, with higher doses generally more effective; both ketamine and esketamine have similar dropout rates.<ref name=":1">{{cite journal | vauthors = Nikolin S, Rodgers A, Schwaab A, Bahji A, Zarate C, Vazquez G, Loo C | date = August 2023 | title = Ketamine for the treatment of major depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis | language = English | journal = EClinicalMedicine | volume = 62 | article-number = 102127 | doi = 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102127 | pmc = 10430179 | pmid = 37593223 }}</ref>
Preliminary research suggests that arketamine, the ''R''(−) enantiomer of ketamine, may also have its own independent antidepressant effects and may contribute to the antidepressant efficacy of racemic ketamine, but more research likewise is needed to evaluate this possibility.<ref name="pmid32224141">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hashimoto K | title = Molecular mechanisms of the rapid-acting and long-lasting antidepressant actions of (R)-ketamine | journal = Biochem Pharmacol | volume = 177 | issue = | article-number = 113935 | date = July 2020 | pmid = 32224141 | doi = 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113935 | s2cid = 214732428 | url = | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="pmid33963284">{{cite journal | vauthors = Wei Y, Chang L, Hashimoto K | title = Molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant actions of arketamine: beyond the NMDA receptor | journal = Mol Psychiatry | volume = 27| issue = 1| pages = 559–573| date = May 2021 | pmid = 33963284 | doi = 10.1038/s41380-021-01121-1 | pmc = 8960399 | s2cid = 233875775 | url = }}</ref>
==Adverse effects== {{Main|Ketamine#Adverse effects}}
The most common adverse effects of esketamine for depression (≥5% incidence) include dissociation, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, numbness, anxiety, lethargy, increased blood pressure, and feelings of drunkenness.<ref name="Spravato FDA label" /> Long-term abuse of ketamine has been associated with bladder disease.<ref name="Spravato FDA label" /><ref name="pmid33484298" />
==Pharmacology== {{See also|Ketamine#Pharmacology}}
===Pharmacodynamics=== Esketamine is approximately twice as potent an anesthetic as racemic ketamine.<ref name="pmid9893910">{{cite journal | vauthors = Himmelseher S, Pfenninger E | title = [The clinical use of S-(+)-ketamine--a determination of its place] | language = de | journal = Anästhesiologie, Intensivmedizin, Notfallmedizin, Schmerztherapie | volume = 33 | issue = 12 | pages = 764–70 | date = December 1998 | pmid = 9893910 | doi = 10.1055/s-2007-994851 | s2cid = 259981872 }}</ref>
The possibility that arketamine may be more effective than esketamine has been suggested by some researchers.<ref name="pmid27354907">{{cite journal | vauthors = Muller J, Pentyala S, Dilger J, Pentyala S | title = Ketamine enantiomers in the rapid and sustained antidepressant effects | journal = Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology | volume = 6 | issue = 3 | pages = 185–92 | date = June 2016 | pmid = 27354907 | pmc = 4910398 | doi = 10.1177/2045125316631267 }}</ref><ref name="pmid27646666">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hashimoto K | title = Ketamine's antidepressant action: beyond NMDA receptor inhibition | journal = Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets | volume = 20 | issue = 11 | pages = 1389–1392 | date = November 2016 | pmid = 27646666 | doi = 10.1080/14728222.2016.1238899 | s2cid = 1244143 }}</ref><ref name="pmid27488193">{{cite journal | vauthors = Yang B, Zhang JC, Han M, Yao W, Yang C, Ren Q, Ma M, Chen QX, Hashimoto K | title = Comparison of R-ketamine and rapastinel antidepressant effects in the social defeat stress model of depression | journal = Psychopharmacology | volume = 233 | issue = 19–20 | pages = 3647–57 | date = October 2016 | pmid = 27488193 | pmc = 5021744 | doi = 10.1007/s00213-016-4399-2 }}</ref>
Esketamine inhibits dopamine transporters eight times more than arketamine.<ref name="pmid10553955">{{cite journal | vauthors = Nishimura M, Sato K | title = Ketamine stereoselectively inhibits rat dopamine transporter | journal = Neuroscience Letters | volume = 274 | issue = 2 | pages = 131–4 | date = October 1999 | pmid = 10553955 | doi = 10.1016/s0304-3940(99)00688-6 | s2cid = 10307361 }}</ref> This increases dopamine activity in the brain. At doses causing the same intensity of effects, esketamine is generally considered to be more pleasant by patients.<ref name="pmid1443509">{{cite journal | vauthors = Doenicke A, Kugler J, Mayer M, Angster R, Hoffmann P | title = [Ketamine racemate or S-(+)-ketamine and midazolam. The effect on vigilance, efficacy and subjective findings] | language = de | journal = Der Anaesthesist | volume = 41 | issue = 10 | pages = 610–8 | date = October 1992 | pmid = 1443509 }}</ref><ref name="pmid7840417">{{cite journal | vauthors = Pfenninger E, Baier C, Claus S, Hege G | title = [Psychometric changes as well as analgesic action and cardiovascular adverse effects of ketamine racemate versus s-(+)-ketamine in subanesthetic doses] | language = de | journal = Der Anaesthesist | volume = 43 | issue = Suppl 2 | pages = S68-75 | date = November 1994 | pmid = 7840417 }}</ref> Patients also generally recover mental function more quickly after being treated with pure esketamine, which may be a result of the fact that it is cleared from their system more quickly.<ref name="pmid9893910" /><ref name="pmid9088882" /> However, this observation contrasts with findings that arketamine exhibits antidepressant effects without causing psychotomimetic side effects.<ref name="pmid26327690">{{cite journal | vauthors = Yang C, Shirayama Y, Zhang JC, Ren Q, Yao W, Ma M, Dong C, Hashimoto K | title = R-ketamine: a rapid-onset and sustained antidepressant without psychotomimetic side effects | journal = Translational Psychiatry | volume = 5 | issue = 9 | pages = e632 | date = September 2015 | pmid = 26327690 | pmc = 5068814 | doi = 10.1038/tp.2015.136 }}</ref>
Unlike arketamine, esketamine does not bind significantly to sigma receptors. Esketamine increases glucose metabolism in the frontal cortex, while arketamine decreases glucose metabolism in the brain. This difference may be responsible for the fact that esketamine generally has a more dissociative or hallucinogenic effect while arketamine is reportedly more relaxing.<ref name="pmid9088882">{{cite journal | vauthors = Vollenweider FX, Leenders KL, Oye I, Hell D, Angst J | title = Differential psychopathology and patterns of cerebral glucose utilisation produced by (S)- and (R)-ketamine in healthy volunteers using positron emission tomography (PET) | journal = European Neuropsychopharmacology | volume = 7 | issue = 1 | pages = 25–38 | date = February 1997 | pmid = 9088882 | doi = 10.1016/s0924-977x(96)00042-9 | s2cid = 26861697 }}</ref> However, another study found no difference between racemic ketamine and esketamine on the patient's level of vigilance.<ref name="pmid1443509" /> Interpretation of this finding is complicated by the fact that racemic ketamine is 50% esketamine.<ref>{{cite web |vauthors=Pezeshkian M |date=15 February 2021 |title=The Nuances of Ketamine's Neurochemistry |url=https://psychedelicreview.com/the-nuances-of-ketamines-neurochemistry/ |access-date=16 February 2021 |website=Psychedelic Science Review |language=en-US |archive-date=15 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215203559/https://psychedelicreview.com/the-nuances-of-ketamines-neurochemistry/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Pharmacokinetics=== Esketamine is eliminated from the human body more quickly than arketamine (''R''(–)-ketamine) or racemic ketamine, although arketamine slows the elimination of esketamine.<ref name="pmid11719729">{{cite journal | vauthors = Ihmsen H, Geisslinger G, Schüttler J | title = Stereoselective pharmacokinetics of ketamine: R(-)-ketamine inhibits the elimination of S(+)-ketamine | journal = Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics | volume = 70 | issue = 5 | pages = 431–438 | date = November 2001 | pmid = 11719729 | doi = 10.1016/S0009-9236(01)06321-4 | s2cid = 20431267 }}</ref> The half-life of esketamine was found to be approximately 5 hours.<ref name="McIntyre_2021">{{cite journal | vauthors = McIntyre RS, Rosenblat JD, Nemeroff CB, Sanacora G, Murrough JW, Berk M, Brietzke E, Dodd S, Gorwood P, Ho R, Iosifescu DV, Lopez Jaramillo C, Kasper S, Kratiuk K, Lee JG, Lee Y, Lui LM, Mansur RB, Papakostas GI, Subramaniapillai M, Thase M, Vieta E, Young AH, Zarate CA, Stahl S | title = Synthesizing the Evidence for Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation | journal = The American Journal of Psychiatry | volume = 178 | issue = 5 | pages = 383–399 | date = May 2021 | pmid = 33726522 | doi = 10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20081251 | pmc = 9635017 }}</ref> When administered intranasally, esketamine's bioavailability is approximately 30–50%.<ref name="McIntyre_2021" />
==Chemistry== thumb|alt=3D space-filling model of Esketamine under physiological conditions (pH 7.4).
Esketamine is the (''S'')-enantiomer of ketamine, which is a racemic mixture of esketamine and arketamine ((''R'')-ketamine).<ref name="VekhovaHamiotJonsson2025">{{cite journal | vauthors = Vekhova KA, Namiot ED, Jonsson J, Schiöth HB | title = Ketamine and Esketamine in Clinical Trials: FDA-Approved and Emerging Indications, Trial Trends With Putative Mechanistic Explanations | journal = Clin Pharmacol Ther | volume = 117 | issue = 2 | pages = 374–386 | date = February 2025 | pmid = 39428602 | pmc = 11739757 | doi = 10.1002/cpt.3478 | url = }}</ref>
==History== Esketamine was introduced for medical use as an anesthetic in Germany in 1997, and was subsequently marketed in other countries.<ref name="HimmelseherPfenninger2008" /><ref name="Drugs.com" /> In addition to its anesthetic effects, the medication showed properties of being a rapid-acting antidepressant, and was subsequently investigated for use as such.<ref name="pmid28598698">{{cite journal | vauthors = Rakesh G, Pae CU, Masand PS | title = Beyond serotonin: newer antidepressants in the future | journal = Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics | volume = 17 | issue = 8 | pages = 777–790 | date = August 2017 | pmid = 28598698 | doi = 10.1080/14737175.2017.1341310 | s2cid = 205823807 }}</ref><ref name="AdisInsight" /> Esketamine received a breakthrough designation from the {{abbrlink|FDA|Food and Drug Administration}} for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in 2013 and major depressive disorder (MDD) with accompanying suicidal ideation in 2016.<ref name="AdisInsight" /><ref name="pmid28194724">{{cite journal | vauthors = Lener MS, Kadriu B, Zarate CA | title = Ketamine and Beyond: Investigations into the Potential of Glutamatergic Agents to Treat Depression | journal = Drugs | volume = 77 | issue = 4 | pages = 381–401 | date = March 2017 | pmid = 28194724 | pmc = 5342919 | doi = 10.1007/s40265-017-0702-8 | url = }}</ref> In November 2017, it completed phase III clinical trials for treatment-resistant depression in the United States.<ref name="pmid28598698" /><ref name="AdisInsight">{{cite web | title = Esketamine - Johnson & Johnson - AdisInsight | url = http://adisinsight.springer.com/drugs/800037644 | access-date = 7 November 2017 | archive-date = 5 September 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160905180541/http://adisinsight.springer.com/drugs/800037644 | url-status = live }}</ref> Johnson & Johnson filed a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) New Drug Application (NDA) for approval on 4 September 2018;<ref name="Press Release">{{cite web | url=https://www.janssen.com/janssen-submits-esketamine-nasal-spray-new-drug-application-us-fda-treatment-resistant-depression | title=Janssen Submits Esketamine Nasal Spray New Drug Application to U.S. FDA for Treatment-Resistant Depression | publisher=Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | access-date=12 February 2019 | archive-date=14 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814221643/https://www.janssen.com/janssen-submits-esketamine-nasal-spray-new-drug-application-us-fda-treatment-resistant-depression }}</ref> the application was endorsed by an FDA advisory panel on 12 February 2019, and on 5 March 2019, the FDA approved esketamine, in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, for the treatment of depression in adults.<ref name="FDA PR">{{cite press release |url=https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-nasal-spray-medication-treatment-resistant-depression-available-only-certified |title=FDA approves new nasal spray medication for treatment-resistant depression; available only at a certified doctor's office or clinic |website=U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) |access-date=6 March 2019 |archive-date=23 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723022112/https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-nasal-spray-medication-treatment-resistant-depression-available-only-certified }}</ref> In August 2020, it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the added indication for the short-term treatment of suicidal thoughts.<ref>{{cite news | title=FDA Approves A Nasal Spray To Treat Patients Who Are Suicidal | newspaper=NPR.org | date=4 August 2020 | url=https://www.npr.org/2020/08/04/899060885/fda-approves-a-nasal-spray-to-treat-patients-who-are-suicidal | access-date=27 September 2020 | archive-date=26 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926143545/https://www.npr.org/2020/08/04/899060885/fda-approves-a-nasal-spray-to-treat-patients-who-are-suicidal | url-status=live }}</ref>
Since the 1980s, closely associated ketamine has been used as a club drug also known as "Special K" for its trip-inducing side effects.<ref>{{cite magazine| vauthors = Marsa L |date=January 2020|title=A Paradigm Shift for Depression Treatment|magazine=Discover|publisher=Kalmbach Media}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|vauthors=Hoffer L|date=7 March 2019|title=The FDA Approved a Ketamine-Like Nasal Spray for Hard-to-Treat Depression|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/what-is-esketamine-fda-approves-nasal-spray-for-depression/|magazine=Vice|access-date=11 February 2020|archive-date=20 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420164638/https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/9kp8ny/what-is-esketamine-fda-approves-nasal-spray-for-depression|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Society and culture== thumb|Spravato nasal spray
===Names=== ''Esketamine'' is the generic name of the drug and its {{abbrlink|INN|International Nonproprietary Name}} and {{abbrlink|BAN|British Approved Name}}, while ''esketamine hydrochloride'' is its {{abbrlink|BANM|British Approved Name, Modified}}.<ref name="Drugs.com">{{cite web | url=https://www.drugs.com/international/esketamine.html | title=Esketamine | publisher=Drugs.com | date=25 October 2022 | access-date=14 September 2023 | archive-date=29 August 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829040021/https://www.drugs.com/international/esketamine.html | url-status=live }}</ref> It is also known as ''S(+)-ketamine'', ''(''S'')-ketamine'', or ''(–)-ketamine'' (''(-)[+] ketamine''), as well as by its developmental code name ''JNJ-54135419''.<ref name="Drugs.com" /><ref name="AdisInsight" />
Esketamine is sold under the brand name Spravato for use as an antidepressant and the brand names Eskesia, Ketanest, Ketanest S, Ketanest-S, Keta-S for use as an anesthetic (veterinary), among others.<ref name="Drugs.com" />
===Controversy=== The British critical psychiatrist Joanna Moncrieff has critiqued the use and study of esketamine and ketamine as well as related drugs like psychedelics for treatment of psychiatric disorders, highlighting concerns including excessive hype around these drugs, questionable biologically based theories of benefit, blurred lines between medical and recreational use, flawed clinical trial findings, financial conflicts of interest, strong expectancy effects and large placebo responses, small and short-term benefits over placebo, and their potential for difficult experiences and adverse effects, among others.<ref name="Moncrieff2025">{{cite book | vauthors = Moncrieff J | date = 16 January 2025 | chapter = Alternative Approaches: The Good, the Bad and the Worrying: Psychedelics for Depression | title = Chemically Imbalanced: The Making and Unmaking of the Serotonin Myth | publisher = Flint | isbn = 978-1-80399-680-6 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=e0MkEQAAQBAJ | access-date = 16 October 2025 }}</ref>
===Legal status=== Esketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States.<ref name="Spravato FDA label" />
Esketamine is a controlled drug In The United Arab Emirates due to its potential for abuse, its use is only under strict medical supervision which is only available on government hospitals in the country, and its use only approved for treatment-resistant depression registered under the trademark Spravato.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/breakthrough-nasal-spray-to-treat-depression-coming-to-uae-1.928221?outputType=amp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617081629/https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/breakthrough-nasal-spray-to-treat-depression-coming-to-uae-1.928221?outputType=amp|title='Breakthrough' nasal spray to treat depression coming to UAE| vauthors = Al Nowais S |archive-date=17 June 2024|website=The National}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
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