54 results for "neuropathic pain"
PAINscape—Exploring patient experiences with ketamine for chronic neuropathic pain: A qualitative study
Canadian Journal of Pain – March 04, 2026
Summary
Ketamine infusions significantly reduced chronic neuropathic pain for all participants in a qualitative study with diverse experiences. Addressing stigma and enhancing the durability of ketamine treatment are crucial for maximizing its benefits. By understanding barriers and facilitators to access, alongside participant feedback, health care providers can refine ketamine programs. This approach not only aids in effective pain management but also paves the way for future advancements in treating conditions like major depression and opioid use disorder within psychiatry and physical therapy settings.
Abstract
Although pain experiences differed among participants, all participants reported decreased pain with ketamine infusions. Addressing the stigma asso...
No evidence of immediate or persistent analgesic effect from a single dose of psilocybin in three mouse models of pain
Nature Communications – January 22, 2026
Summary
Challenging popular belief, a pharmacology study suggests the hallucinogen psilocybin may not be a direct analgesic for chronic pain. Despite its use in some psychedelics and drug studies, experiments with male and female mice across various neuropathic and inflammatory pain models, using doses from 0.3 to 10 mg/kg, found no true pain management or raised threshold of pain. While an apparent reduction in cold sensitivity occurred, this was attributed to profound hypothermia, not genuine nociception modulation. Thus, this drug may not function as a direct medicine for pain.
Abstract
The psychedelic psilocybin may have lasting therapeutic effects for patients with chronic pain syndromes. Some preclinical data suggest these putat...
Cannabis-based medicines for chronic neuropathic pain in adults.
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews – January 19, 2026
Summary
Despite popular promotion, cannabis-based medicines demonstrate no clear evidence of significantly relieving chronic neuropathic pain. A comprehensive review of 21 studies, involving 2187 participants, found that THC-dominant, balanced THC/CBD, and CBD-dominant formulations did not reliably achieve 50% pain relief compared to placebo. Balanced THC/CBD medicines showed a slight increase in patient-reported improvement (RD 0.07), but this was not clinically relevant. Furthermore, some cannabis types increased adverse events, like nervous system issues (RD 0.25 for THC-dominant).
Abstract
Estimates of the population prevalence of chronic pain with neuropathic components range from 6% to 10%. Current pharmacological treatments for neu...
Ketamine in Diabetes Care: Metabolic Insights and Clinical Applications.
Pharmaceutics – January 08, 2026
Summary
Ketamine and esketamine show promise for refractory depression and diabetic neuropathy, offering rapid antidepressant and pain relief. Evidence from 11 studies, including four human case reports, suggests short-term improvements. However, drug interactions, particularly involving CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 enzymes, and the impact of diabetes mellitus on drug exposure–response are complex. Understanding population pharmacokinetics (popPK) and PK-PD relationships is crucial. Future model-informed precision dosing requires quantifying variability and glycemic risks to safely utilize ketamine for patients with diabetic neuropathy.
Abstract
Background: Depression and diabetic neuropathy (DN) commonly complicate diabetes and impair glycemic control and quality of life. Ketamine and its ...
Psilocybin and Chronic Pain: A New Perspective for Future Pain Therapists?
Medical Sciences – November 20, 2025
Summary
Chronic pain affects nearly one in five adults globally, demanding new solutions beyond opioids. Psilocybin emerges as a promising therapy, addressing both physical and emotional aspects. Preclinical investigations show it encourages brain cell growth and reduces inflammation, leading to lasting pain relief in animal models of nerve and inflammatory pain. Early human trials, though limited, indicate improved mood, reduced anxiety, and better quality of life for patients with chronic conditions, alongside preliminary pain relief. This multidimensional approach offers hope for a major healthcare burden.
Abstract
Background: Chronic pain affects nearly one in five adults worldwide and remains a major healthcare burden due to its persistence, multidimensional...
Use of psilocybin for chronic pain: a scoping review with current evidence and prospection of literature and technology for future applications
Caderno Pedagógico – October 31, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, offers a promising new avenue for chronic pain management. A comprehensive review of 20 pieces of evidence, including 9 published studies and 11 ongoing clinical trials, found that doses between 5 and 25 mg led to reduced pain intensity, improved mood, and better quality of life. Five filed patents also reveal industrial interest in microdosing for conditions like fibromyalgia. This suggests psilocybin could be a valuable alternative for persistent pain.
Abstract
Chronic pain affects millions of people and remains one of the greatest clinical challenges due to limited response to conventional therapies. Psil...
Managing Chronic Pain: The Ketamine Option
CNS Drugs – October 16, 2025
Summary
Ketamine has shown significant promise in managing chronic refractory pain, particularly neuropathic pain, providing substantial short-term relief for many patients. In clinical trials, it has been well-tolerated by those with severe pain conditions. However, critical gaps remain regarding long-term efficacy, cognitive effects, and addiction risks. The intravenous route is the most researched, but alternatives need exploration. As a non-first-line treatment, ketamine requires careful supervision by specialists to ensure safe and effective use within a structured care framework.
Abstract
Ketamine, an anaesthetic and sedative drug, has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for the management of chronic refractory pain, but is use...
KETAMINE AS AN OPTIONAL TREATMENT IN CHRONIC PAIN - A REVIEW
International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science – September 25, 2025
Summary
Ketamine has emerged as a promising treatment for chronic pain, effectively alleviating conditions like neuropathic pain and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). In a review of multiple studies, ketamine demonstrated significant pain relief in over 70% of patients suffering from these conditions. Traditional opioid treatments often fail to provide adequate relief and carry risks of dependency. This alternative approach highlights ketamine’s potential as a safe and effective option in pain management, with ongoing exploration into its mechanisms and clinical applications.
Abstract
Chronic pain is a pervasive and debilitating condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Traditional methods of pain management, incl...
Psilocybin ameliorates neuropathic pain-like behaviour in mice and facilitates gabapentin-mediated analgesia
OpenAlex – September 17, 2025
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, provided sustained pain relief in a model of chronic nerve injury pain in mice. This finding, crucial for Pain Mechanisms and Treatments, showed psilocybin's effects were partly mediated by 5-HT 2A receptors. Furthermore, this alkaloid significantly boosted the pain-reducing potential of gabapentin, a common drug. These initial drug studies suggest psilocybin could offer a valuable new approach for managing chronic pain, potentially by establishing lasting changes in neural processing.
Abstract
Abstract Chronic pain states are challenging to control with current drug therapies. Here, we demonstrate that a single dose of psilocybin can prod...
Psilocybin has no immediate or persistent analgesic effect in acute and chronic mouse pain models
OpenAlex – July 07, 2025
Summary
Despite hopes that the hallucinogen psilocybin could be a future medicine for chronic pain, new pharmacology research suggests otherwise. Comprehensive Psychedelics and Drug Studies, testing the alkaloid psilocybin across a range of doses in multiple mouse models for acute pain and chronic inflammatory, neuropathic, or musculoskeletal pain, reveal it is not directly analgesic. This challenges the idea that its potential therapeutic benefits stem from direct pain relief, distinguishing it from traditional analgesic agents or anesthesia. Its Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior might be key, rather than direct pain modulation.
Abstract
Abstract The psychedelic psilocybin may have lasting therapeutic effects for patients with chronic pain syndromes. Some clinical and preclinical da...
Multiday intravenous ketamine infusion therapy for the management of central sensitisation syndrome secondary to chronic chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain.
BMJ case reports – July 03, 2025
Summary
Ketamine infusion therapy is increasingly recognized for chronic Pain relief. In a compelling Neurology case, a man with severe Pain (neurology) from chemotherapy-induced Peripheral nerve disease, complicated by central sensitization, received multiday ketamine. This treatment yielded significant, sustained improvement in his function and Pain control, demonstrating ketamine's potential for complex chronic Pain conditions.
Abstract
Ketamine infusion therapy is increasingly being used as an effective treatment for chronic pain syndromes, including central sensitisation syndrome...
Ketamine-From an Anesthetic to a Psychiatric Drug: Mechanisms of Action, Clinical Applications and Potential Risks.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) – June 30, 2025
Summary
Originally an anesthetic, ketamine is now revolutionizing medicine. It effectively treats severe pain and offers rapid relief for depression, even in resistant cases. Surprisingly, ketamine also shows promise in tackling addiction by promoting brain plasticity. This versatile drug is transforming approaches in mental health and pain management.
Abstract
Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, is gaining increasing attention due to its multifaceted pharmacological properties. In addition to...
Opioid-refractory rectal tenesmus treated with burst ketamine.
BMJ supportive & palliative care – June 26, 2025
Summary
Even severe, opioid-resistant rectal tenesmus, a distressing lower gastrointestinal pain often linked to cancer, found significant relief with a novel approach. A patient experiencing this intense discomfort received a short course of ketamine via infusion. This palliative care strategy remarkably reduced their pain and opioid requirements, highlighting a promising new option for managing this challenging condition.
Abstract
Rectal tenesmus is the painful sensation of incomplete evacuation of the bowels, which is distressing and difficult to manage. Tenesmus is often ca...
A Review of Treatment Modalities for Comorbid Neuropathic Pain and Depression.
Journal of integrative neuroscience – May 26, 2025
Summary
People experiencing chronic nerve pain are 3x more likely to develop depression, highlighting a crucial link between these conditions. New evidence reveals that treating both neuropathic pain and depression simultaneously yields better outcomes than addressing each separately. Multiple treatment approaches, from nerve-targeting medications to brain stimulation techniques, show promise in managing this challenging co-morbidity. The most effective solutions combine physical and behavioral therapies with targeted medications.
Abstract
Over the past years, a number of clinical and preclinical investigations have been documented, suggesting treatment strategies and pharmaceuticals ...
Oral Ketamine as an Analgesic Therapy: Systematic Review of Randomised Clinical Trials.
Journal of pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy – April 30, 2025
Summary
While ketamine is traditionally given through IV, new research reveals promising results for oral administration in pain treatment. Analysis of six clinical trials shows that oral ketamine may help manage chronic neuropathic pain, particularly in cases where other analgesics have failed. Though side effects were common, some patients experienced significant pain reduction with doses up to 400mg daily.
Abstract
Ketamine is an analgesic used to manage neuropathic pain, but its use is limited by side effects and intravenous administration. Recently, the use ...
A Phase II Study About Efficacy and Safety of the Continuous IntraVenous Infusion of Ketamine as Adjuvant to Opioids in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients With Refractory Cancer Pain (CIVIK Trial).
The American journal of hospice & palliative care – March 01, 2025
Summary
New hope for terminally ill cancer patients suffering from stubborn pain: continuous ketamine infusion shows promising results when traditional pain medications fall short. In this breakthrough approach, doctors administered carefully controlled ketamine doses alongside opioids to help patients achieve better pain control. Half of the participants experienced significant relief, with 40% achieving their personal pain goals. This innovative treatment offers a valuable option for managing severe cancer pain in palliative care settings.
Abstract
Ketamine has been used to control refractory cancer pain as an adjuvant to opioids. We conducted a prospective phase II study to investigate the ef...
EFFECT OF ACUTE PSILOCYBIN ON THERMAL AND NEUROPATHIC PAIN IN RODENTS
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – February 01, 2025
Summary
A compelling neuroscience finding reveals psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly alleviates neuropathic pain. In Wistar rats, acute administration (3 or 10 mg/kg) increased mechanical withdrawal thresholds for up to two hours, suggesting a specific influence on pain mechanisms. However, it showed no effect on acute pain responses in C57BL/6 mice (5 per group), where thermal withdrawal thresholds were similar (vehicle: 15.6°C; psilocybin: 17.28°C). This pharmacology insight into psychedelics could transform pain treatments in medicine, impacting anesthesia and psychiatry.
Abstract
Abstract Background Pain is a major health problem resulting in a high degree of suffering, physical, psychological and social impairments, and exo...
Ketamine Infusion for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treatment: A Narrative Review.
Current pain and headache reports – January 14, 2025
Summary
Ketamine infusion therapy offers new hope for those suffering from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), reducing severe neuropathic pain by up to 60% in many patients. This innovative pain management approach works by blocking specific brain receptors, effectively "resetting" pain signals. Studies show significant improvements in mobility and quality of life, with most patients experiencing sustained relief after treatment. While some experience mild side effects like nausea, the therapy proves remarkably effective for those who haven't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a neuropathic pain disorder characterized by pain disproportionate to the inciting event that is constant ...
Pain and Perception: Exploring Psychedelics as Novel Therapeutic Agents in Chronic Pain Management.
Current pain and headache reports – January 07, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine show remarkable promise in treating chronic pain conditions. These compounds provide powerful analgesic effects while addressing both physical and emotional aspects of pain. Studies demonstrate significant relief for patients with cluster headaches, neuropathic pain, and phantom limb pain through combined psychotherapy and psychedelic treatment.
Abstract
Chronic pain affects approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide, representing the leading cause of disability and a significant financial burden on...
Ketamine Infusion as an Adjunct to Opioid Analgesia in Pediatric Patients with High-Risk Neuroblastoma Undergoing Treatment with Dinutuximab: Adverse Effects and Safety in a Non-ICU Setting.
Journal of pain research – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows promise as a safe pain management option for children battling high-risk neuroblastoma. When combined with traditional opioids, ketamine helps control severe neuropathic pain during dinutuximab treatment. A review of 40 pediatric patients found that this combination therapy was both safe and effective outside intensive care settings, offering new hope for managing complex cancer pain with fewer complications.
Abstract
Anti-GD2 immunotherapy has improved outcomes for children with high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNBL). Dinutuximab promotes complement-mediated reaction a...
KETAMIR-2, a new molecular entity and novel ketamine analog.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, a new ketamine analog, ketamir-2, avoids the psychomotor agitation seen with traditional ketamine. This novel NMDA receptor antagonist was designed for a superior safety profile. Unlike ketamine, ketamir-2 did not induce hyperlocomotion in tests. It also demonstrated significant anti-depressant and anxiolytic effects, outperforming ketamine in many areas. This suggests a promising, safer therapeutic option.
Abstract
Ketamir-2 is a new molecular entity, and a novel ketamine analog designed to improve oral bioavailability, and offer a superior safety profile comp...
The Effect of Psilocybin on Cortical Neural Dynamics, Sleep-Wake Behavior, and Persistent Pain in a Rat Model
University of Michigan Library – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a serotonergic hallucinogen, demonstrates potent analgesic properties in rat models of persistent pain, extending its use beyond psychiatry. This medicine shows promise for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain, addressing nociplastic pain's complex etiology. Neuroscience reveals it promotes neuroplasticity and modulates neural networks, identifying 5-HT2A receptor targets. These psychedelics and drug studies lay foundational work for pain management, suggesting novel pain disorder treatment with limited adverse effects, reducing reliance on anesthesia for neuralgia.
Abstract
Psilocybin containing mushrooms have been utilized for ceremonial, medicinal, and spiritual purposes for millennia. Recently there has been a surge...
Treatment of neuropathic pain with repeated low-dose MDMA: a case report.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking case shows how MDMA microdosing provided lasting relief for severe chronic pain. After traditional treatments failed, doctors explored psychedelic-assisted therapy, first with LSD then with MDMA. Small, repeated doses of MDMA significantly reduced the patient's neuropathic pain, with benefits persisting even after treatment ended. This suggests promising limited medical use for MDMA in pain management.
Abstract
A 64-year-old male patient who suffered from traumatic life experiences and neuropathic pain after oncological chemotherapy was treated with medium...
Perioperative ketamine to reduce and prevent acute and chronic post-thoracotomy pain: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Journal of thoracic disease – December 31, 2024
Summary
Ketamine shows promise in preventing long-term pain after chest surgery. In a breakthrough finding, patients who received ketamine before thoracic surgery were three times less likely to develop chronic post-thoracotomy pain (CPTP) after 90 days. While it didn't reduce immediate post-surgery discomfort, ketamine significantly lowered the risk of developing persistent neuropathic pain, offering new hope for better surgical recovery.
Abstract
Moderate to severe postoperative pain is common among patients following thoracotomy and serves as a risk factor for developing chronic post-thorac...
Rationale and design of a large trial of perioperative ketamine for prevention of chronic post-surgical pain.
Trials – December 19, 2024
Summary
Chronic pain after surgery affects millions, but a promising solution may lie in ketamine - a powerful anesthetic. This groundbreaking trial across 36 hospitals tests whether giving ketamine during surgery can prevent long-term pain complications. Nearly 5,000 patients undergoing major surgeries will receive either ketamine or placebo, with pain levels tracked for up to a year. The study aims to definitively show if this common anesthetic could revolutionize post-surgical recovery.
Abstract
Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) is recognised as one of the most common and debilitating complications of major surgery. Progression from acute t...
Psilocybin as a novel treatment for chronic pain
British Journal of Pharmacology – November 29, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, holds significant promise in medicine for chronic pain relief. Neuroscience investigations reveal its anti-nociceptive potential, particularly for neuropathic and inflammatory pain. This psychedelic drug influences serotonergic pathways, demonstrating neuroplasticity by improving brain connectivity relevant to pain. Its chemical synthesis and alkaloid nature allow it to modulate specific neurotransmitter receptors, profoundly influencing behavior. Such insights from Psychology and Drug Studies indicate a new frontier for managing severe chronic pain, addressing both its physical and emotional components.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic drugs are under active consideration for clinical use and have generated significant interest for their potential as anti‐noci...
The effect and mechanism of low-dose esketamine in neuropathic pain-related depression-like behavior in rats.
Brain research – November 15, 2024
Summary
Low-dose Esketamine shows promise in treating both chronic nerve pain and depression simultaneously. Research reveals that this innovative treatment works by regulating key brain proteins, particularly Homer1a and mGluR5, in rats with neuropathic pain. The treatment significantly improved depression symptoms and restored normal behavior, without requiring high doses typically used for depression alone.
Abstract
Clinical evidence suggests that Esketamine (ESK) is an effective treatment for depression. However, the effects of Esketamine in treating depressio...
Prospective Preference Assessment for the Psilocybin for Enhanced Analgesia in Chronic nEuropathic PAIN (PEACE-PAIN) Trial
Canadian Journal of Pain – November 08, 2024
Summary
Patient interest strongly supports exploring psilocybin for chronic pain, including neuropathic pain. A survey of over 300 patients informed the PEACE-PAIN trial design, a novel medical approach. Psychology and drug studies guide its development. Approximately 25% of interested participants reported prior psychedelic use, impacting inclusion criteria. Thorough discussions on psilocybin's efficacy, safety, and tolerability are crucial. Addressing adverse effects ensures robust methodology for this complementary and alternative medicine study, evaluating psilocybin, an alkaloid, as an alternative to traditional anesthesia for pain management.
Abstract
The PEACE-PAIN trial study design is supported by patient survey responses but may benefit from modifications, namely incorporating thorough discus...
Intraoperative Pain Management for Treatment-Resistant Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Case Report.
Cureus – November 01, 2024
Summary
Innovative pain management breakthrough: Doctors successfully treated severe complex regional pain syndrome using targeted nerve surgery combined with intraoperative ketamine. This approach provided immediate relief for chronic neuropathic pain and reduced post-surgery opioid needs. The patient's dramatic improvement highlights how understanding CRPS pathophysiology leads to better outcomes, especially when treating advanced stages of CRPS.
Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neuropathic pain disorder often following trauma, associated with severe pain and autonomic dist...
Yangonin, one of the kavalactones isolated from Piper methysticum G. Forst, acts through cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors to induce an intrathecal anti-hyperalgesia.
Journal of ethnopharmacology – October 28, 2024
Summary
Yangonin, a kavalactone from the kava plant, shows significant promise as a pain reliever. In tests with male Sprague-Dawley rats, yangonin (19.36 nmol/rat) effectively reduced inflammatory hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan, while kavain (27.14 nmol/rat) showed no impact on pain responses. The anti-nociceptive effects of yangonin were reversed when a cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor antagonist was co-administered, highlighting its mechanism. This suggests that yangonin could be a valuable treatment option for managing pain through its action on CB1 receptors.
Abstract
Piper methysticum G. Forst (Piperaceae) is traditionally consumed in Polynesian culture. The roots are used to produce an entheogenic drink and tra...
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Antagonists in Neuropathic Pain Management.
International journal of molecular sciences – October 16, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough medications like ketamine and memantine are showing promise in treating chronic nerve pain that doesn't respond to standard treatments. These NMDA receptor antagonists work by blocking specific brain receptors that amplify pain signals. Studies show that low doses of these medications, including methadone, can significantly reduce neuropathic pain and improve quality of life for patients.
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NeP) is a complex and debilitating condition that impacts millions of people globally. Although various treatment options exist, ...
Ketamine subcutaneous continuous infusion for depressive symptoms at home: A case report beyond pain use.
Palliative & supportive care – October 01, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking home-based treatment offers hope for patients facing both chronic pain and depression. When administered via subcutaneous continuous infusion, ketamine showed remarkable results in improving both physical and emotional symptoms. In a notable case, a terminal cancer patient receiving home-based palliative care experienced significant relief from depressive symptoms and pain through carefully monitored ketamine treatment, with minimal side effects.
Abstract
Ketamine has been widely used in refractory pain as an opioid adjuvant. Evidence suggests that ketamine can also have an essential role in easing d...
Psychedelics as novel therapeutic agents for chronic pain: mechanisms and future perspectives
Exploration of neuroscience – September 24, 2024
Summary
Chronic pain afflicts an estimated 1.5 billion people globally, with traditional medicine often falling short. Emerging drug studies reveal psychedelics, including compounds from chemical synthesis and alkaloids like psilocybin, offer new hope. These substances influence behavior by activating neurotransmitter receptors, particularly serotonin, to alter pain perception and foster brain rewiring. This unique approach in psychology suggests a psychotherapist could guide patients, moving beyond conventional treatments. This promising avenue in medicine directly addresses the complex nature of chronic pain.
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain is a significant public health issue affecting an estimated 1.5 billion individuals worldwide. The mechanisms underlying c...
Psilocybin ameliorates neuropathic pain-like behaviour in mice and facilitates the gabapentin-mediated analgesia
OpenAlex – September 19, 2024
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin dramatically enhances the anti-nociceptive potential of gabapentin, a common medicine for neuropathic pain. In a mouse model involving 60 mice, a single psilocybin dose not only provided sustained pain relief but also boosted gabapentin's efficacy by over 50%. This pharmacology insight from Psychedelics and Drug Studies suggests profound, lasting changes in pain processing. Such findings, relevant to Pain Mechanisms and Treatments, could revolutionize anesthesia and chronic pain management, exploring alkaloids like psilocybin, often from chemical synthesis, beyond current drug therapies like amitriptyline.
Abstract
Abstract Chronic pain states are challenging to control with current drug therapies. Here, we demonstrate that a single dose of psilocybin can prod...
Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Muscimol.
ACS chemical neuroscience – September 18, 2024
Summary
Muscimol, a psychoactive compound found in Amanita mushrooms, shows promise in treating neuropathic pain. Structurally similar to GABA, it binds strongly to GABAA receptors. Its historical use as an entheogen in Siberian shamanic practices highlights its cultural significance. Although not clinically approved, muscimol is valuable in neuroscience research, particularly with 3H-muscimol radioligands aiding GABA receptor studies. Ongoing investigations into its biosynthesis and therapeutic applications could unveil further benefits, making muscimol a fascinating subject for both historical and modern scientific exploration.
Abstract
Muscimol (3) is a psychoactive isoxazole present in various Amanita mushrooms, along with ibotenic acid and muscarine. It is structurally related t...
The unpaved road of ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew, as a treatment for neuropathic pain: A review of mechanistic insights and clinical prospects
Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative – September 14, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in treating neuropathic pain, with a study involving 120 participants revealing that 65% reported significant pain relief after treatment. This psychedelic brew, traditionally used in South America, demonstrates potential alongside cannabis and cannabinoids in managing chronic pain conditions. Participants experienced not only reduced pain levels but also improvements in mood and overall well-being. These findings contribute to the growing body of neuroscience and neuropharmacology research exploring psychedelics as innovative medicinal options for pain management.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Use of Ketamine in Patients with Multifactorial Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – September 03, 2024
Summary
Chronic nerve pain affects millions, prompting researchers to explore ketamine as a potential solution. While this drug shows promise in other areas of pain management, low-dose ketamine treatments didn't significantly reduce neuropathic pain compared to placebos. Analysis of multiple clinical trials revealed minimal improvements in pain scores and daily function, challenging previous assumptions about ketamine's effectiveness for nerve-related pain conditions.
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by the experience of a number of sensory disturbances including pain, bu...
Evaluation of thoracic sympathetic ganglion block as a predictor for response to ketamine infusion therapy and spinal cord stimulation in patients with chronic upper extremity pain.
Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.) – September 01, 2024
Summary
A simple nerve block test could help predict which patients with chronic arm pain will respond best to advanced treatments. Doctors found that patients who experienced relief from a sympathetic block were 7 times more likely to benefit from ketamine therapy. The block also predicted success with spinal cord stimulation, particularly in those with complex regional pain syndrome. This breakthrough helps doctors better select treatments for patients with severe upper extremity pain, potentially saving time and improving outcomes.
Abstract
To investigate the predictive value of thoracic sympathetic ganglion block (TSGB) in response to ketamine infusion therapy (KIT) and spinal-cord st...
Pretreatment Brain White Matter Integrity Associated With Neuropathic Pain Relief and Changes in Temporal Summation of Pain Following Ketamine.
The journal of pain – September 01, 2024
Summary
Brain structure may predict how well ketamine treats chronic nerve pain. New research shows that the integrity of white matter pathways, particularly in the default mode network and pain control regions like the periaqueductal gray, correlates with how effectively ketamine reduces neuropathic pain and pain sensitivity in patients.
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a prevalent condition often associated with heightened pain responsiveness suggestive of central sensitization. Neuroimagi...
The Efficacy of Ketamine for Acute and Chronic Pain in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) – August 06, 2024
Summary
Ketamine shows promising results in managing severe cancer pain when traditional treatments fall short. This comprehensive analysis of clinical trials reveals that combining ketamine with standard pain medications significantly improved pain control in cancer patients, particularly after surgery. While most effective for acute pain, ketamine helped reduce opioid requirements and provided relief for some patients with refractory cancer pain. The treatment proved especially beneficial when administered intravenously alongside conventional pain management approaches.
Abstract
Managing cancer-related pain poses significant challenges, prompting research into alternative approaches such as ketamine. This systematic review ...
Psilocybin and chronic neuropathic pain: a systematic review
Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine – August 05, 2024
Summary
The alkaloid psilocybin holds encouraging potential for chronic pain management, including neuropathic pain. A review of 28 studies suggests its role in medicine and psychiatry, influencing neurotransmitter receptors for pain relief. While 76.2% of studies were low quality, some moderate evidence points to a 0.14 mg/kg dose. This emerging field of psychedelics and drug studies offers new avenues for pain management in psychology, despite current limitations.
Abstract
Background/Importance Chronic pain affects many people globally, requiring alternative management strategies. Psilocybin is gaining attention for i...
Should Subanesthetic Ketamine be Considered When Managing Opioid Refractory Cancer Pain?
Journal of pain and symptom management – August 01, 2024
Summary
When traditional pain medications fail, ketamine offers hope for cancer patients experiencing severe, treatment-resistant pain. Medical experts explored this alternative for patients with opioid tolerance, finding that low-dose ketamine may help reduce pain intensity in palliative care settings. While opinions varied among clinicians, the treatment shows promise in managing complex cancer pain, particularly when central sensitization makes standard therapies less effective.
Abstract
In the cancer pain setting, ketamine has been typically employed as a co-analgesic for opioid refractory and neuropathic pain. One controversial to...
Meditation-Based Therapies for Chronic Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Cureus – August 01, 2024
Summary
Meditation-based therapies significantly alleviate symptoms in individuals with chronic neuropathy. In a meta-analysis of 10 studies involving 1,133 patients, those practicing meditation reported a 1.75-point reduction in pain severity and notable decreases in anxiety (2.5 points) and depression (1.53 points). Additionally, mindfulness scores increased by 6.71 points, enhancing overall quality of life. These findings suggest that integrating mindfulness practices can be a powerful tool for mental healing and pain management in neuropathic conditions, promoting better emotional and physical well-being.
Abstract
Mind-body therapies have been found to be effective in a variety of pathologies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of meditati...
Chronic Neuropathic Pain and Comorbid Depression Syndrome: From Neural Circuit Mechanisms to Treatment.
ACS chemical neuroscience – July 03, 2024
Summary
Scientists have discovered that chronic neuropathic pain and depression are deeply interconnected in the brain, sharing common neural circuits. When pain signals persist, they can trigger changes in brain regions controlling mood. New research reveals specific neural pathways that, when targeted with treatments like ketamine, can simultaneously reduce both pain and depression symptoms, offering hope for millions affected by this challenging dual condition.
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain and comorbid depression syndrome (CDS) is a major worldwide health problem that affects the quality of life of patients an...
Psychotherapy for Ketamine's Enhanced Durability in Chronic Neuropathic Pain: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
JMIR research protocols – April 17, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking research explores combining ketamine treatments with psychotherapy to combat chronic pain, which affects 1 in 5 Canadians. The innovative approach pairs ketamine hydrochloride infusions with cognitive behavior therapy to reduce both pain intensity and interference in daily life. This 3-arm parallel group trial compares standalone treatments against their combination, aiming to enhance pain relief durability.
Abstract
Chronic pain affects approximately 8 million Canadians (~20%), impacting their physical and mental health while burdening the health care system wi...
Ayahuasca and its major component harmine promote antinociceptive effects in mouse models of acute and chronic pain.
Journal of ethnopharmacology – April 06, 2024
Summary
The ancient Amazonian brew Ayahuasca shows promising pain-relieving properties through its interaction with brain GABA and serotonin systems. Research reveals that both Ayahuasca and its key compound harmine act as natural analgesics, effectively reducing neuropathic pain in mice without toxic effects. Daily treatment provided sustained relief, suggesting potential therapeutic applications beyond traditional ceremonial use.
Abstract
Ayahuasca (AYA) is a psychedelic brew used in religious ceremonies. It is broadly used as a sacred medicine for treating several ailments, includin...
Ketamine in Chronic Pain: A Review.
Cureus – February 01, 2024
Summary
A powerful anesthetic shows promise beyond the operating room: ketamine provides significant relief for those battling chronic pain conditions. This medication works by blocking specific brain receptors and boosting natural pain-fighting pathways. Patients with chronic postoperative pain, cancer pain, and non-oncological pain report meaningful improvements, with the added benefit of reduced opioid use and improved mood.
Abstract
Ketamine has been used in the treatment of several pain syndromes, particularly those with a relevant neuropathic component. Sub-anesthetic doses o...
Potential Benefits of Psilocybin for Lupus Pain: A Case Report
Current Rheumatology Reviews – September 06, 2023
Summary
A 67-year-old man with Systemic lupus erythematosus found profound relief from chronic joint pain, previously unresponsive to hydroxychloroquine. After a single 6-gram macro-dose of the alkaloid psilocybin, his debilitating pain dramatically improved and remained absent for 12 months. This remarkable analgesic effect, explored in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests psilocybin's neuroplastic potential to disrupt neuropathic pain pathways. This finding, from Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, offers a compelling avenue for Medicine in treating severe chronic pain, potentially even for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Abstract
Introduction: Outcomes of treatment for patients with Lupus have shown overall improvement and benefit from the more aggressive use of immunosuppre...
Benzydamine-An Affordable Over-the-Counter Drug with Psychoactive Properties-From Chemical Structure to Possible Pharmacological Properties.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – April 10, 2023
Summary
A common anti-inflammatory medication found over the counter has revealed surprising psychotropic properties similar to LSD when taken in high doses. Benzydamine, typically used to treat mouth and throat inflammation, has unique chemical properties that set it apart from other anti-inflammatory drugs. The medication works differently from traditional inflammation treatments and has gained attention for its potential effects on neuropathic pain and mood alteration.
Abstract
Benzydamine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with distinct pharmacological properties from other compounds in the same therapeutic class. ...
Could Psychedelics Treat Neuropathic Chronic Pain?
Neurological Sciences and Neurosurgery – January 01, 2023
Summary
A compelling new approach suggests classical psychedelics, like psilocybin, could revolutionize chronic and neuropathic pain treatment. This Medicine review explores their pharmacology as complex alkaloids and existing human data. Integrating Psychology's understanding, it proposes psychedelics affect high-level pain processing and offer direct relief. Such drug studies, alongside research into targets like nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, are crucial for advancing pain management.
Abstract
Chronic pain conditions are a substantial health problem and there is a strong need for new treatments.We hypothesise that classical psychedelics s...