The FDA has approved Johnson & Johnson's Spravato (esketamine) as a stand-alone treatment for major depressive disorder, particularly for those with treatment-resistant depression. Affecting about 21 million American adults, a significant number do not respond to standard oral antidepressants. The spray, which acts differently from traditional medications, allows patients to experience symptom relief within hours instead of weeks. Initially approved in 2019 as a companion treatment, Spravato's new status enhances options for those struggling with severe depression, although it must be administered under medical supervision due to potential side effects.
"For too long, healthcare providers have had few options to offer patients much-needed symptom improvement. Spravato is now available as a stand-alone treatment, meaning patients may experience improvements in depressive symptoms as early as 24 hours."
"Spravato, which is derived from ketamine, is not a new drug-it first came on the market in 2019. But Tuesday's clearance makes the spray the first stand-alone therapy for treatment-resistant depression."
Collection
[
|
...
]