Mental health has been gaining attention and recognition in recent years, and there have been several updates in the field. One of the most recent updates is the approval of a new medication to treat depression.
In March 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new medication called Spravato (esketamine) for the treatment of depression in adults who have not responded to other treatments. Spravato is a nasal spray that works by targeting a different pathway in the brain than traditional antidepressants, providing a new option for those who have not found relief from other treatments.
According to a press release by the FDA, Spravato has shown significant improvement in depression symptoms compared to a placebo in clinical trials. However, there are some potential side effects, including dissociation, sedation, and increased blood pressure, so the medication must be administered in a certified healthcare setting.
This update in mental health is significant because depression is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. For those who have not found relief from traditional treatments, Spravato provides a new option for managing their symptoms.
Sources:
1. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves new nasal spray medication for treatment-resistant depression; March 5, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-nasal-spray-medication-treatment-resistant-depression
2. National Institute of Mental Health. Depression. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
3. Mayo Clinic. Depression (major depressive disorder). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
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