Drug reference
esketamine
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Central Nervous System (Atypical Antidepressant)
Mechanism of action
Esketamine, the S-enantiomer of racemic ketamine, is a nonselective, noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist (NMDA is an ionotropic glutamate receptor) The mechanism by which esketamine exerts its antidepressant effect is unknown
Common side effects
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dissociation
- Vertigo
- Dysgeusia
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is esketamine?
esketamine belongs to: Central Nervous System.
How does esketamine work?
Esketamine, the S-enantiomer of racemic ketamine, is a nonselective, noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist (NMDA is an ionotropic glutamate receptor) The mechanism by which esketamine exerts its antidepressant effect is unknown
What are the common side effects of esketamine?
Sedation, Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Dissociation, Vertigo, Dysgeusia
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