Esketamine as an antidepressant drug was introduced in 2022. It is referred to as a breakthrough in world psychiatry. It is a new, and most importantly, effective method of treating depression in people who have not been helped by other medications. How is esketamine different from other drugs and what is the mechanism of its action?

Esketamineis an active substance that has been used in medicine since 1997 - due to its anesthetic effect it has been used mainly in anesthesiology. However, recent years and drug research have brought groundbreaking results. The use of esketamine causes remission of symptoms in almost all patients with drug-resistant depression. Drug-resistant depression is defined as when a person does not respond to conventional treatments for depression. Treatment with modern antidepressants is considered an effective and safe therapeutic solution for approx. 70% of people. patients. However, the remaining 30 percent. does not answer.

Esketamine - how does it work?

Esketamine, as the first drug of its kind, removes not only the symptoms of depression, but also influences its causes - disorders of the work and flow of neurotransmitters - serotonin and noradrenaline.

Esketamine acts on the NMDA receptor (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor), which receives most of the stimuli in the central nervous system.

When the movement of serotonin and noradrenaline is impaired, esketamine acts on the receptors in such a way that the body can regulate the work of neurotransmitters in the nervous system. As a result, its synapses are rebuilt, their activity and strength increase.

Esketamine - side effects

Esketamine improves mood, sometimes has euphoric and psychomimetic effects. The state of euphoria and rapidly elevated mood lasts only for a few minutes after drug administration.

After taking esketamine, you may experience other minor side effects lasting a few minutes, such as dizziness or confusion.

Some patients develop visual illusions, the colors become brighter. A state of bliss and "lightness" may appear.

The side effect of esketamine administration applies to patients in a morbidly depressed mood. People witheven mood - if they take this drug - they will not notice symptoms of euphoria.

Clinical trials have confirmed that esketamine causes remission in drug-resistant depression.

Esketamine - dosage

Due to possible side effects, esketamine is administered all over the world under controlled conditions - in a medical facility, under the supervision of a doctor or he alth care professional.

Esketamine is taken intranasally, and after taking it, the patient must stay at the medical facility for a minimum of 1.5 hours. He can only return home after a medical check-up. The administration of the drug itself is completely painless.

How often to use the drug to maintain remission of the disease?

Everything depends on the patient. However, in most cases, the drug should be taken for a minimum of six months. Initially twice a week, then once a week, and then once every two weeks.

Esketamine - effectiveness

Treatment with escatamine is extremely effective, and the first changes can be noticed already 24 hours after the first dose - intranasal administration has a large impact on the absorption of the drug. This is a real breakthrough in the treatment of depression.

In clinical trials, the use of esketamine, along with an oral antidepressant, significantly reduces the risk of recurrence of depression. Importantly, this type of treatment is effective and has a favorable tolerance profile.

Esketamine and other drugs

When taking esketamine, you should always use the "current" antidepressant drug, which complements its beneficial effect on the body. It regulates the level of serotonin and norepinephrine, which has a direct impact on the mood.

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