Depression is a mental health disorder affecting millions of Americans. It is a clinical disorder that can affect the way a person acts, feels, and thinks. There is a new antidepressant called Spravato made by the large multinational corporation Johnson & Johnson that has gained the attention of many adults due to its rapid relief of depressive symptoms. Spravato is a nasal spray made from esketamine.
Esketamine is the mirror image of the molecules that make up ketamine which is an anesthetic. Spravato can only be used if an adult who is struggling with depression has tried two other antidepressants to aid it, but still remains affected.
Originally, Spravato was supposed to be used along with an oral antidepressant, but it is now shown that the drug works best autonomously. This medication was approved by the FDA as the first drug that is able to heal depression in hours rather than weeks or months. As reported by Courtney Billington, the president of Janssen Neuroscience, “Spravato will not be dispensed directly to a patient to take at home…It will only be available in approved and certified treatment centers.” With this guideline, it will ensure that adults only use the drug as intended to prevent misuse.
Spravato is not allowed to be taken home or as a prescription. Instead it must be inhaled under a doctor’s supervision due to ketamine being a schedule III controlled substance. High doses of ketamine can cause sedation, out-of-body experiences otherwise known as dissociation, abuse/misuse, and suicidal thoughts. However, the dose in Spravato is very low. The side effects include dizziness, nausea, and feeling sleepy. The maker of Spravato, Johnson & Johnson, mentioned that “the wholesale cost of each treatment with esketamine will range from $590 to $885, depending on the dose.” The drug is to be used around twice a week every month. This means that it will cost around $4,720 to $6,785 a month.
In conclusion, depression is a major medical problem affecting many Americans. Spravato, a nasal spray, is a new treatment now available. Currently, the high cost and side effects may limit use. However, over time, the price will come down and safety will improve, and this will benefit millions of Americans.
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