Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Johnson & Johnson has received approval from the USFDA for a nose spray to help treat 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. The main ingredient for the spray is esketamine hydrochloride, which is the “chemical cousin” of ketamine. The spray, called Spravato, can only be administered by health care professionals, and patients must be monitored for two hours after administering the drug. Side effects include sleepiness, fainting, dizziness, anxiety, feeling disconnected and breathing problems. It could also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.
