INTRANASAL ESKETAMINE AND MAOI COMBINATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION: A CASE REPORT

Authors

  • Paulo Artur da Silva Rodrigues
  • Giovana dos Santos Couto
  • Bárbara Corrêa Garcia Simões
  • Pablo Gnutzmann Pereira

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56238/rcsv16n3-010

Keywords:

Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant, Esketamine, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

Abstract

Introduction: Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) represents a significant clinical challenge, particularly when associated with suicidal ideation. Intranasal esketamine has emerged as an effective therapeutic option in refractory cases, while monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) remain relevant in the management of severe and resistant conditions. Objective: To describe the clinical course of a patient with TRD treated with the combination of intranasal esketamine and tranylcypromine. Method: Case report of a 27-year-old female patient diagnosed with recurrent depressive disorder and a history of therapeutic failure to multiple classes of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics, followed through clinical evaluation and standardized rating scales (HAM-A and MADRS). Results: After initiation of the combined treatment, a rapid and sustained clinical improvement was observed, with significant reduction of depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as remission of suicidal ideation. The treatment was well tolerated, with no relevant adverse events. Conclusion: The association of intranasal esketamine and a MAOI proved to be effective and safe in this case of TRD, suggesting that it may represent a viable therapeutic alternative in selected situations, provided that strict clinical monitoring is ensured.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

1. Gonçalves WS, Lassen RDH, Appolinario JC, Nardi AE. Diagnóstico e estratégias terapêuticas na depressão resistente ao tratamento. Med Cienc Arte. 2022;1(3):94–104.

2. Soares B, Kanevsky G, Teng CT, et al. Prevalence and impact of treatment-resistant depression in Latin America: a prospective observational study. Psychiatr Q. 2021;92(4):1797–1815. doi:10.1007/s11126-021-09930-x.

3. Zaki N, Chen C, Lane R, et al. Long-term safety and maintenance of response with esketamine nasal spray in participants with treatment-resistant depression: interim results of the SUSTAIN-3 study. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2023;48:1–9. doi:10.1038/s41386-023-01577-4.

4. Patarroyo-Rodriguez L, Pazdernik VK, Vande Voort JL, Kung S, Frye MA, Singh B. Ketamine reduces suicidality-associated emergency department utilization in patients with treatment-resistant depression: a 6-month mirror-image study. J Clin Psychiatry. 2025;86(4):25m15941. doi:10.4088/JCP.25m15941.

5. Martinotti G, Chiappini S, Pettorruso M, et al. Real-world experience of esketamine use to manage treatment-resistant depression: a multicenter study on safety and effectiveness (REAL-ESK). J Affect Disord. 2022;319:646–654. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.061.

6. Fu DJ, Ionescu DF, Li X, et al. Esketamine nasal spray for rapid reduction of major depressive disorder symptoms in patients with active suicidal ideation with intent: a randomized, double-blind study (ASPIRE I). J Clin Psychiatry. 2020;81(3):19m13191. doi:10.4088/JCP.19m13191.

7. Thase ME. The role of monoamine oxidase inhibitors in depression treatment guidelines. J Clin Psychiatry. 2012;73(Suppl 1):10–16. doi:10.4088/JCP.11096su1c.02.

8. Ricken R, Ulrich S, Schlattmann P, Adli M. Tranylcypromine revisited (Part II): a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies in depression. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2017;27(8):714–731. doi:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.04.003.

9. Santos JML, Couto HLO, Monteiro DC. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and ketamine: a safe association? Debates Psiquiatr. 2022;12:1–20. doi:10.25118/2763-9037.2022.v.

10. Canuso CM, Singh JB, Fedgchin M, et al. Efficacy and safety of intranasal esketamine for the rapid reduction of depressive symptoms and suicidality in patients at imminent risk for suicide: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Am J Psychiatry. 2018;175(7):620–630. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.17060720.

11. Floriano I, Silvinato A, Bernardo WM. Esketamine in the treatment of patients with antidepressant-resistant depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2023;69(6):e2023D696. doi:10.1590/1806-9282.2023D696.

Published

2026-03-31

How to Cite

Rodrigues, P. A. da S., Couto, G. dos S., Simões, B. C. G., & Pereira, P. G. (2026). INTRANASAL ESKETAMINE AND MAOI COMBINATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION: A CASE REPORT. Revista Sistemática, 16(3), e9826. https://doi.org/10.56238/rcsv16n3-010