Rapidity of Symptom Improvement With Intranasal Esketamine for Major Depressive Disorder

the effect of intranasal esketamine compared study meta-analysis, data examined intranasal esketamine and the to it. clinicians the role of intranasal esketamine in patients Abstract: Background: Rapid-acting treatment options are needed for MDD (Major Depressive Disorder). Significant progress has been made in understanding the potential of ketamine and its s-enantiomer, esketamine, as rapid-acting antidepressants. Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the magnitude of the treatment effect for intranasal (IN) esketamine over placebo at 24 hours post first dose and at study endpoint. Study design: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized double-blind controlled trials comparing adjunctive treatment of standard antidepressants with IN esketamine versus placebo in subjects with MDD. Participants: This analysis included participants from randomized, double-blind clinical trials comparing adjunctive treatment of standard antidepressants with IN esketamine for MDD. Studies of the following were excluded: patients with bipolar disorder, dysthymic disorder, psychotic MDD, minor depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, depressed patients with a specific medical condition, or active alcohol or substance abuse disorders. Main outcome measures: Standardized mean difference (SMD) in change in Montgomery-Asberg Depression