Is Esketamine a Psychedelic? Understanding the Differences Between Esketamine and Classic Psychedelics

What Is Esketamine?

Esketamine is a fast-acting antidepressant derived from ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic that’s been used safely in medical settings for decades. Esketamine, delivered as a nasal spray under the brand name Spravato, is FDA approved for treatment-resistant depression and depression with suicidal ideation.