Nose spray to treat depression? FDA approves first-of-its-kind medicine

NEW YORK (WPIX) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a nose spray to help treat depression, Johnson & Johnson announced Tuesday.

Spravato is a first-of-its-kind medication to help manage treatment-resistant depression, according to the pharmaceutical company. The nasal spray can be given to people who haven't seen improvements in their depression after taking at least two oral medications, according to Johnson & Johnson.

The main ingredient for the spray is esketamine hydrochloride, which is the "chemical cousin" of ketamine. Ketamine has been used by clinics across the U.S. to treat depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Spravato can only be administered by health care professionals, and patients must be monitored for two hours after administering the drug, according to Johnson & Johnson. It is given only to patients in the Spravato Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy Program.

Johnson & Johnson said patients taking Spravato could start to see results in 24 hours. It’s already been given to 140,000 patients worldwide.

Side effects include sleepiness, fainting, dizziness, anxiety, feeling disconnected and breathing problems. It could also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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