Both ketamine and esketamine are Schedule 3 drugs, and ketamine has a history of diversion, abuse, and dependence. An iconic publication by Berman et al3 demonstrated rapid antidepressant activity when intravenous ketamine was infused into patients with severe depression. Although head-to-head studies have not been conducted, clinical experience strongly suggests both ketamine and esketamine are effective in some patients with TRD. The REMS for esketamine requires certification by the clinic/administering prescriber and the dispensing pharmacy, and patient’s informed consent. A REMS treatment form must be filled out and submitted after each dose of esketamine for the duration of treatment.

Source: Wall Street Journal October 08, 2022 04:18 UTC