Living with ADHD can feel like your brain has ten TV channels playing at once, all on full volume.
It’s tough! Persistent sadness or depression that cannot be lifted even through frequent treatments is also a problem faced by many individuals with ADHD. This has led some doctors and patients to look at newer options, like a medicine called esketamine.
At Light-tunnel Behavioral Health Services Inc., we understand how challenging this journey can be. We provide compassionate, science-backed care that puts your safety first. We help you decide if esketamine treatment is proper for you or your loved one with ADHD and depression.
But is esketamine safety something people with ADHD should consider? Let’s break it down.
What Is Esketamine?
Esketamine is a medicine that is in the form of a nasal spray. It is a cousin of the anesthetic ketamine, but one that was intended to act differently in the brain.
It is only FDA-approved in adults with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), meaning very severe depression that did not improve even after at least two other antidepressants have been tried.
It is not prescribed to treat ADHD directly, and here at Light-tunnel, we make sure that our patients are fully aware of the intended purpose before getting into treatment.
How Esketamine Works
Experts believe esketamine helps “reset” brain pathways involved in mood. Unlike traditional antidepressants that may take weeks to work, esketamine acts quickly, sometimes easing severe depression within hours or days.
At Light-tunnel Behavioral Health Services Inc., we always have a team of experts to monitor our esketamine therapy sessions within our certified clinic facility.
We watch out for side effects like dizziness or dissociation and ensure that each patient feels guided through the process.
ADHD, Depression, and the Esketamine Question
Here’s where it gets complex. People with ADHD have higher chances of developing major depression.
Although esketamine does not ameliorate symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention or impulsivity, it may have a role in treating ADHD patients with severe treatment-resistant depression.
Our clinic is often asked questions concerning ADHD treatment and Ketamine.
To be clear, Ketamine or esketamine is never a first-line intervention in ADHD. Still, it can be an option in well-selected cases of predominant depression that cannot be helped by conventional means.
Light Tunnel has experience in treating patients with co-occurring ADHD and depression, and all of them receive an individual care plan based on their personal mental health experiences.
Esketamine Safety: Key Points for the ADHD Brain
So, is esketamine safety a genuine concern for someone with ADHD? Here’s what matters:
- Not for ADHD Symptoms
Remember, esketamine for ADHD core symptoms (like inattention or impulsivity) is not its job.
At Light-tunnel, we begin with proven ADHD treatment options such as behavioral therapy, coaching, and medication.
Esketamine is only considered when depression becomes severe and unresponsive to traditional treatments.
- Potential for Mood Help (With Caution)
If someone has ADHD and severe depression that won’t budge, esketamine might be an option under stringent medical rules. This falls under ADHD and depression treatment strategies.
- Side Effects & ADHD Sensitivity
People with ADHD can sometimes be more sensitive to medication side effects. Esketamine can cause dizziness, nausea, feeling “spacey,” or short-term increases in blood pressure.
An ADHD brain already prone to restlessness or sensory sensitivity might find these extra challenging. Close monitoring is crucial.
At Light-tunnel Behavioral Health Services Inc., we provide close monitoring and supportive care in our clinic setting.
- Substance Use History is Critical
ADHD increases the risk of substance use disorders. Esketamine has abuse potential. Doctors will be cautious and likely avoid it entirely if there’s any history of substance misuse.
At Light-tunnel, your whole mental health history matters. We conduct thorough assessments to ensure that treatment is appropriate and safe.
- The Big Unknown
There isn’t a lot of research looking specifically at esketamine safety long-term in large groups of people with ADHD. Most studies focus on depression alone. More research is needed.
At Light-tunnel Behavioral Health Services Inc., our medication management team, led by Dr. Omolola Aragbada, PMHNP-BC, provides personalized treatment plans prioritizing safety and efficacy.
What Should You Do? Your Care Team Matters
If you have ADHD and are living with severe, stubborn depression, here’s what you can do next with our support:
- Review ADHD Treatment First
Make sure you’re getting the proper care for your ADHD. Sometimes, better ADHD control alone can lift your mood.
- Explore Depression Treatment Options
At Light-tunnel, we offer a full range of therapies, from medication management to cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle interventions.
- Talk About Treatment-Resistant Depression
Ask us: “Do I have TRD?” If you’ve tried several treatments without success, you might qualify for esketamine therapy.
- Discuss Esketamine Carefully
We’ll help you ask the right questions:
- “Is esketamine safe for someone with ADHD like me?”
- “What are the side effects?”
- “Will it help with my depression?”
And we’ll walk you through the answers, step by step.
- Always in a Safe Setting
Esketamine is never taken at home. At Light-tunnel, your treatments are done in a warm, private room under professional care, where you’ll be monitored before, during, and after the session.
The Bottom Line
Esketamine is not about ADHD, but it will assist with depression. Esketamine may offer a solution in case of untreatable severe depression and ADHD, although only with an extensive risk screen first.
It is always better to attempt regular ADHD medication and well-tested depression treatment. In the case of ADHD and depression, you need to make sure that you have a healthcare team familiar with your situation before looking at esketamine as an option.
Book an appointment with our compassionate team at Light-tunnel Behavioral Health Services Inc., and allow us to assist you in deciding to take esketamine.
Visit our clinic on Google Maps to read reviews, check hours, and schedule your consultation today.
FAQs
Q: Is esketamine applicable in teenagers with ADHD?
No. Esketamine has been authorized as an adult drug (18 years and above) for treatment-resistant depression. It is not safe or approved for children or teens.
Q: What is the rate of esketamine action on depression?
Esketamine, different from most antidepressants, holds the possibility to operate in hours or days. Other individuals experience a change quite soon, which is beneficial to those people who are in intense pain or emotions.
