The efficacy and safety of adjunctive intranasal esketamine treatment in major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Expert Opinion on Drug Safety April 6, 2022 Muhammad Youshay Jawad, Joshua D. Di Vincenzo, Felicia Ceban et al. 29 citations
Intranasal esketamine, when added to an oral antidepressant, is safe and more effective than a placebo nasal spray at reducing depressive symptoms in people with treatment-resistant depression and depression with suicidal thoughts or behavior. Pooling data from seven randomized controlled trials showed a small but significant improvement in depressive symptoms, with higher rates of response and remission. Year-long studies found lower relapse rates and no major long-term side effects. The treatment appears well tolerated and rapidly effective for these difficult-to-treat populations.