#35647 Alternative pharmacological approaches to chronic pain management
September 1, 2023 Fernando Gómez, Ian Philip Barrera, Rodolfo Maytorena-Gutiérrez et al. 1 citation
A review of emerging pharmacological approaches to chronic pain examines three drug classes: cannabis, psychedelics, and dissociative hypnotics. Cannabis is the most researched but needs further study on adverse effects. Ketamine shows potential but raises abuse concerns; other hypnotics require more evidence. Psychedelics, the least understood, demonstrate promise in small studies but need more research on dose-dependent adverse effects, including acute psychosis. Despite limited literature and concerns about abuse, acute side effects, and legality, these approaches may improve quality of life and reduce overuse of highly addictive analgesics.