There is hope that a low dose injection of esketamine following childbirth may prevent post partum depression based on a study published in BMJ. Between June 2020 and Aug 2022, the researchers followed 361 mothers with no prior history of depression, interviewing them 18-30 hours after birth, at 7 days, and on day 42. They found that one low dose of esketamine right after childbirth reduced the risk of major depressive episodes at 42 days by approximately 75%.

However, its important to emphasize the participants didn’t have a history of depression and a history of depression is a major risk indicator of postpartum depression. In addition, there are other treatment modalities for postpartum depression which may be a better choice, so if you have questions or concerns its important to talk to your doctor.

Sources

Vogel, Kaitlin. 13 April 2024. “One Ketamine Injection May Reduce Postnatal Depression In New Mothers.” Healthline.

Wang, D-W, et al. 10 April 2024. “Efficacy of a single low dose of esketamine after childbirth for mothers with symptoms of prenatal depression: randomised clinical trial.” BMJ, 385:e078218.