Relief from Chronic Neuropathic Pain with Ketamine but Increased Burden of Psychedelic Adverse Effects?
Ketamine January 1, 2025 Jose Eduardo Guimaraes Pereira, Carlos Darcy Alves Bersot, Thiago Ramos Grigio et al. 1 citation
Ketamine can help manage chronic neuropathic pain, which is often undertreated. Intravenous racemic ketamine at 0.5–1.5 mg/kg/day for 4–5 days is recommended as an initial hospital-based approach, providing pain relief lasting 1–3 months. Non-IV administration with de-escalating doses can then be tailored to individual patients, and infusions may be repeated quarterly if necessary. Neurocognitive side effects can cause discomfort or treatment discontinuation, but psychological guidance and GABA-ergic agents can reduce adverse effects. Despite some challenges, the potential benefits often outweigh the risks. Further high-quality trials are urgently needed to refine ketamine use for neuropathic pain.