Esketamine Guide: Pharmacology, Indications, Dosing Guidelines and Adverse Effects

This educational activity teaches clinicians how esketamine works for depression, including its mechanism, how the body processes it, and its effects. It explains how to assess its effectiveness, choose doses, and apply clinical considerations for treatment-resistant depression and major depression with suicidal thoughts. The activity also covers identifying and managing common and serious side effects, along with monitoring and risk-reduction strategies under the REMS program.

Study at a glance

Abstract

After completing this activity, participants should be able to: Describe the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of esketamine in the treatment of depression. Evaluate the efficacy, dosing strategies, and clinical considerations for using esketamine in treatment-resistant depression and major depression with suicidal ideation. Identify and manage common and serious adverse effects associated with esketamine therapy, including strategies for monitoring and risk mitigation under the REMS program.