Esketamine Therapy

Esketamine for Depression in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

There’s now an alternative treatment — and new hope — for people with difficult-to-treat depression. UMass Memorial Health offers esketamine nasal spray, a breakthrough treatment for adults (18 and up). Unlike antidepressants, which take weeks to work, esketamine can help you feel better within 24 hours. You receive safe, attentive care from our experienced psychiatrists and nurses.

What Is Esketamine Nasal Spray?

Esketamine is an FDA-approved nasal spray derived from the drug ketamine, an anesthetic for pain. It works by quickly increasing neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) activity in your brain, which directly affects your mood. Over time, the treatment can permanently rebuild neural pathways, so you feel better for longer.

Esketamine therapy is an outpatient treatment. Most people get esketamine twice a week for four weeks, then decrease to weekly and every other week as symptoms improve. We offer esketamine for people who have treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call 800-273-8255 or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also visit the nearest emergency room.

Benefits of Intranasal Esketamine

Intranasal esketamine is an evidence-based treatment that offers many benefits, including:

• Instant calming effect
• No hospitalization or anesthesia required
• Noninvasive and painless 
• Rapid symptom relief
• Self-administered (under the supervision of a health care professional)

What Can I Expect During Esketamine Treatment?

Esketamine treatment takes place in our clinic. Our nursing staff monitors your blood pressure and other vital signs to help you stay safe and comfortable.

Here’s what to expect during your session:

1. You sit in a reclining chair while a provider shows you how to give yourself the nasal spray.
2. Using the hand-held device, you spray the medication once into each nostril.
3. You remain in our clinic for two hours so we can monitor you for complications or side effects.
4. During the observation period, you can watch television, read, listen to music or rest. You may also be able to have a psychotherapy session on your device.
5. You aren’t permitted to drive after the treatment. Arrange for a friend or family member to take you home. Avoid activities such as work or studying on treatment days.