Sakina Mental Health & Wellbeing Services, College of Medicine, and Health Sciences (CMHS) of the United Arab Emirates University, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
2 papers in the library · 12 citations · publishing 2025
Patients with treatment-resistant depression who received esketamine nasal spray experienced 43.2% more weeks with functional remission over 32 weeks compared to those taking quetiapine extended release, a difference of 2.0 weeks. Esketamine also led to an 11.9% reduction in productivity loss due to absenteeism and a 14.2% reduction in overall work productivity loss. Both treatments were taken alongside an ongoing SSRI or SNRI. The findings suggest that esketamine provides greater improvements in daily functioning and workplace productivity for this patient group.
A 41-year-old man with treatment-resistant depression and polysubstance use (daily opioids and intermittent methamphetamine) received intranasal esketamine alongside his existing antidepressant. Depressive symptoms and craving markedly improved within one month. By two months he had stopped using opioids and methamphetamine. At six months he remained in remission and abstinent, with PHQ-9 scores dropping from 24 to 4. Side effects were transient dizziness and mild dissociation. The authors suggest esketamine may reduce craving through glutamatergic modulation and synaptic plasticity, offering dual benefits for depression and substance use, but note that controlled studies are needed.