How must Esketamine be administered?

Esketamine must be administered only under the supervision of a healthcare provider due to its potential for serious side effects and the need for patient monitoring. Administering Esketamine in a controlled environment allows healthcare professionals to observe the patient closely for any adverse reactions, such as dissociation, sedation, or changes in blood pressure, which can occur shortly after administration. This supervision also helps ensure that the patient receives appropriate support and care during the treatment process, which is particularly important given the complexities involved in managing mood disorders such as depression.

Furthermore, Esketamine is typically delivered via a nasal spray, and the clinic or healthcare setting ensures both safety and efficacy in administering the medication. The structure of this supervised setting also facilitates discussions about the treatment, side effects, and any necessary follow-up, thereby contributing to a more tailored and supportive treatment experience.

Options that suggest self-administration or unsupervised use do not provide the necessary safeguards that a healthcare provider's oversight offers, making those approaches less appropriate for this specific medication.