For patients experiencing treatment-resistant depression, a relatively new medication has been highly effective in studies to treat depression.
Esketamine is a form of the chemical compound ketamine, which has been used in general anesthesia for decades. It is believed to act by blocking certain nerve pathways in the brain that are involved in depression. By doing this, esketamine helps to restore mood balance and reduce symptoms of depression.
The medication is usually administered as a nasal spray or via injection, although it is available in other forms such as tablets and oral solutions. Esketamine, unlike common antidepressants, can offer relief within hours instead of several weeks.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, esketamine may counteract the harmful effects of depression. These include potential long-term brain damage and a risk for dementia.
Through innovative services, group therapy, medication and more, Baptist Health offers intensive inpatient psychiatric care for depression, anxiety, grief and psychosis, for adults between 18-65 years of age.
For more information, call the Behavioral Services Call Center at (501) 202-7006.
Baptist Health Behavioral Services Locations
Baptist Health Behavioral Health Clinic- Little Rock (501) 202-7587.
Baptist Health Behavioral Health Clinic-North Little Rock (501) 945-8838.
Baptist Health Behavioral Health Services-Fort Smith. (479) 709-7455.