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esketamine group
Esketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that rapidly blocks glutamate signaling in the brain to produce fast-acting antidepressant effects.
Esketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that rapidly blocks glutamate signaling in the brain to produce fast-acting antidepressant effects. Used for Treatment-resistant depression, Major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.
At a glance
| Generic name | esketamine group |
|---|---|
| Also known as | pregabalin+duloxetine+esketamine, esketamine+PRF, esketamine, Esketamine + PRF+standardized treatment, 0.9% sodium chloride injection |
| Sponsor | Beijing Tiantan Hospital |
| Drug class | NMDA receptor antagonist |
| Target | NMDA receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Esketamine is the S-enantiomer of ketamine and works by antagonizing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are glutamate-gated ion channels. This blockade leads to rapid disinhibition of downstream neural circuits and increased synaptic plasticity, resulting in antidepressant effects that occur within hours to days rather than weeks. The mechanism is distinct from traditional monoamine-based antidepressants and is thought to promote neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis.
Approved indications
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior
Common side effects
- Dissociation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sedation
- Headache
- Vertigo
Key clinical trials
- Intranasal Dexmedetomidine-esketamine Administration and Postoperative Pain in Pediatric Patients (PHASE4)
- Effect of Esketamine on Postoperative Sleep in Postmenopausal Women (NA)
- Esketamine for Prevention of Depression After Cytoreductive Surgery in Ovarian Cancer (NA)
- The Effect of Subclinical Dose of Ketamine on Early Postoperative Pain Sensitivity in Patients Undergoing Salpingectomy (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Mitochondrial Function After Ketamine
- Effect of Continuous Intraoperative Esketamine Infusion on Perioperative Negative Emotions in Breast Cancer Surgery Patients With Mild-to-Severe Depression (NA)
- Effect of Esketamine on Perioperative Negative Emotions in Breast Cancer Surgery Patients With Severe Depression (NA)
- The Efficacy and Safety of Short Term S-ketamine Infusion as an Adjunctive Therapy in Patients With Fibromyalgia (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |