Ketamine for chronic pain: risks and benefits
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology February 21, 2013 Marieke Niesters, Christian Martini, Albert Dahan 498 citations
The anesthetic ketamine is used to treat chronic pain syndromes, especially those with a neuropathic component. Low-dose ketamine produces strong analgesia, likely by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, though other mechanisms such as enhanced descending inhibition and anti-inflammatory effects may contribute. Short-term infusions provide pain relief only during administration, while prolonged infusions of 4–14 days can yield analgesic effects lasting up to three months. Side effects include psychedelic symptoms, nausea, vomiting, somnolence, cardiovascular stimulation, and occasional hepatotoxicity.