Can Esketamine Be Used for Conditions Other Than Depression, Like Anxiety or PTSD?

Esketamine, a fast-acting nasal spray derived from ketamine, has gained recognition as an innovative treatment for treatment-resistant depression. At Renaissance Behavioral Medicine, we offer esketamine as a part of our comprehensive approach to mental health care, particularly when conventional therapies have fallen short. But many individuals wonder: Can esketamine also help with other conditions like anxiety or PTSD?

What is Esketamine?

The FDA has approved esketamine (under the brand name Spravato®) specifically for adults with treatment-resistant depression. It works differently than most antidepressants by targeting the NMDA receptors in the brain, which helps promote the growth of new neural connections. This mechanism can provide rapid symptom relief for some patients, often within hours to days, compared to the weeks it can take with traditional medications.

Can Esketamine Help with Anxiety or PTSD?

While esketamine is not currently FDA-approved to treat anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), ongoing clinical research shows promising results in these areas. Some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that esketamine may reduce the severity of anxiety symptoms and improve outcomes for patients with PTSD - particularly those who have not responded well to standard treatments.

Because anxiety and PTSD often overlap with depression, especially in treatment-resistant cases, esketamine may offer benefits for patients whose symptoms are deeply intertwined. However, it's important to note that use outside of FDA-approved indications is considered off-label, and a thorough evaluation is essential before proceeding with treatment.

Our Comprehensive Evaluation Process

At Renaissance Behavioral Medicine, we do not believe in one-size-fits-all care. If you're struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or a combination of these conditions, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess:
 

• Your full medical and psychiatric history

• Current symptoms and their severity

• Any previous treatments you've tried and how you responded

• Potential contraindications or risks for esketamine use

This detailed assessment allows us to determine whether esketamine is a safe and appropriate option for your individual needs, or if another path may be better suited for your healing journey.

Take the Next Step at Renaissance Behavioral Medicine

Esketamine continues to show significant promise, especially for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression. While it is not yet a standard treatment for anxiety or PTSD, research is evolving, and it may be considered in select cases under medical supervision. If you're struggling with persistent mental health symptoms and feel like you’ve exhausted other options, Renaissance Behavioral Medicine is here to help.

Contact Renaissance Behavioral Medicine to schedule your comprehensive evaluation to learn whether esketamine or another advanced treatment could be the right step forward in your care. Visit our office in Beverly Hills, California, or call (213) 262-0888 to book an appointment today.