Could a nasal spray after childbirth ward off postpartum depression?
NCT ID NCT07639099
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a nasal spray containing esketamine and dexmedetomidine, given twice after childbirth, can lower the chance of postpartum depression in women who already had mild depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Esketamine is a fast-acting antidepressant, and dexmedetomidine may reduce its side effects while also helping mood. The trial will follow 164 women for 42 days after birth to see if the spray reduces depressive symptoms compared to a placebo.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- esketamine and dexmedetomidine nasal spray
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a fast-acting, non-invasive option to prevent postpartum depression in at-risk women.
- What could go wrong
- This is a Phase 4 trial with only 164 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Esketamine can cause side effects like dizziness or hallucinations, and the combination's safety in new mothers is still being studied.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Peking University First Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100034, China
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