Are we repeating mistakes of the past? A review of the evidence for esketamine.

Horowitz, Mark A; Moncrieff, Joanna · Br J Psychiatry · 2021

review · Level V

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Abstract

Esketamine has been licensed for 'treatment-resistant depression' in the USA, UK and Europe. Licensing trials did not establish efficacy: two trials were negative, one showed a statistically significant but clinically uncertain effect, and a flawed discontinuation trial was included, against Food and Drug Administration precedent. Safety signals - deaths, including suicides, and bladder damage - were minimised.

Medical subject headings