About esketamine
NMDA receptor antagonist antidepressant
Used for
- Treatment-resistant depression in adults, with an oral antidepressant.
- Depressive symptoms in adults with major depression and acute suicidal thoughts or behavior, alongside standard care.
Usual adult dose
Given under medical supervision: usually twice weekly initially, then less often as response improves. Dose is individualized.
Common side effects
- Dissociation, dizziness, sleepiness, or feeling detached
- Nausea, vomiting, or altered taste
- Increased blood pressure
- Anxiety or headache
Important warnings
- Can cause sedation, impaired judgment, and dissociation; monitoring is required after each dose.
- May raise blood pressure; serious cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease requires careful assessment.
- Risk of misuse and dependence; restricted distribution and supervised administration apply.
- Can impair driving and operating machinery until the next day after restful sleep.
Pregnancy
May cause fetal harm; human pregnancy information is limited. Avoid during pregnancy unless a clinician determines benefits outweigh risks.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for one day after each dose.
Interactions
- CNS depressants, including opioids or benzodiazepines, may increase sedation.
- Psychostimulants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors may increase blood pressure.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.