Euphoria-Inducing Drug Approved as New Depression Treatment

A nasal spray based on a ketamine-related compound has been approved for use in Australia to treat patients with severe depression, offering new hope for those who have not responded to traditional therapies, The Guardian reported.

The spray, marketed as Spravato, acts on the neurotransmitter glutamate instead of serotonin, which is the target of most conventional antidepressants. Experts say this allows for faster relief of symptoms, with some patients reporting improvements within hours.

“This is a striking difference compared to the usual waiting times for medical effects,” said Professor Ian Hickie from the University of Sydney.

From Thursday, Spravato will be available to up to 30,000 Australians under the public subsidy system. It is the first time in 30 years that a completely new type of antidepressant has received government support.

However, access to the treatment comes with challenges. Patients must still cover the costs of treatment and monitoring at approved clinics, which can be expensive. In addition, the spray does not work for everyone. Australian studies show that around half of patients experience significant improvement after using Spravato.

Despite the limitations, health authorities and the pharmaceutical industry have welcomed the launch as a major development in mental health treatment. They hope the new drug will provide an alternative for patients who have struggled with traditional antidepressants.

Spravato is chemically related to ketamine, an anesthetic that is also used recreationally for its euphoric effects, but in clinical settings, the compound is used under strict medical supervision.