#22: esketamine (Spravato) | A REMS Drug Used for Major & Treatment-Resistant Depression

Esketamine is a REMS program drug that is currently brand only known as Spravato. It is a Non-Selective Non-Competitive NMDA Receptor Antagonist and typically administered in a healthcare setting that is enrolled in the REMS program. Spravato is used along with an antidepressant when treating patients with treatment-resistant depression or a major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation and behavior. It is not recommended for pediatric use and the efficacy in reducing and preventing suicide or suicidal behavior has not been proven. Spravato comes in a nasal spray in a 56 mg and 84 mg strength. In addition to the more common CYP pathways, Spravato is primarily metabolized via the CYP2B6 pathway. Esketamine is the S-enantiomer of racemic ketamine. Spravto should be administered by the patient under the supervision of a healthcare provider.  Go to DrugCardsDaily.com to find past FREE PDFs of the drug card sheets that were used for the show. SUBSCRIBE on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or search for us on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. I plan to continue going over the Top 100-200 Drugs as well as occasionally throwing in one of the newly released drugs that peak my interest. Also, if you’d like to say hello, suggest a drug, or leave any constructive feedback on the show thus far I’d really appreciate it! Leave a message on my hosting site HERE.