Ketamine for Chronic Pain

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Pain Management with Ketamine

Ketamine is known for its anesthetic and dissociative properties. At standard doses, ketamine serves as an anesthetic for surgical procedures.

At lower doses, ketamine affects the central nervous system, influencing the patient’s perception of pain. Ketamine blocks N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and modulates glutamate, both of which are integral factors in pain signaling.

Chronic pain can be challenging to manage, and many patients have turned to ketamine after other medications have failed to provide relief.

While ketamine has helped many patients find relief from chronic pain, it is essential for each individual to consult with their healthcare team to determine if ketamine is a viable option for their specific condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

It targets glutamate receptors in the brain, potentially "resetting" neural pathways linked to mood and pain perception.

 

Patients can find relief when other treatments fail. Effects may be felt within hours.

At low, controlled doses for medical use, addiction risk is minimal. Ketamine is not neurologically addictive.

 

Psychological addiction is more of a factor when considering the potential for addiction when using compounded ketamine.

Relief varies. Some experience benefits for days or weeks after a dose, while others require maintenance sessions.

 

Consistency and adjunct therapy (e.g., counseling) help improve outcomes.

Forms such as nasal sprays, sublingual troches (lozenges), rapid-dissolving tablets, and topical creams are available for convenient at-home use under medical guidance.

 

For those with sensitivities, we offer allergen-free, dye-free, or preservative-free options.

 

These customizable formats allow your provider to match the delivery method to your treatment plan and individual needs.

Certain compounded forms, like nasal sprays and troches, may be prescribed for at-home use under strict medical oversight. Providers will assess if this is suitable based on the patient's condition and safety.

 

IV ketamine and the traditionally prescribed nasal spray Spravato must be administered in a doctor's office.

Effects of Chronic Pain

Doctors consider pain chronic when it continues for three months or longer. In this case, the pain persists beyond the typical healing time for injured tissue.

In the US, more than 20% of US adults suffer from chronic pain. This type of pain affects people in a variety of ways, including:
  • Physical – aside from the obvious discomfort from pain, patients may experience limited mobility and fatigue. These symptoms restrict daily activities.
  • Emotional – chronic pain is often associated with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. It could lead to mood disorders as well.
  • Cognitive – frequent pain can impact a person’s ability to concentrate or focus for an extended period. It can also affect memory.

Effects of Chronic Pain

Low Doses of Ketamine for Pain

Recent studies highlight ketamine’s potential to help patients with chronic pain. While regular doses of ketamine can cause hallucinations and dissociative effects, low doses are generally well tolerated.

Ketamine can serve as an alternative to opiates and can provide analgesic effects in as fast as 60 minutes.

With long-term administration of ketamine, patients can experience up to 3 months of analgesic effects post-administration.

Ketamine has also shown the ability to help patients with depression, which is sometimes a comorbidity to chronic pain.

Low-Doses of Ketamine for Pain

Topical Ketamine for Pain

Topical ketamine is excellent for targeted pain relief and minimal side effects. Patients use it for chronic pain, acute pain, and sports injuries.

Its absorption rate is around 1-3%. When applied topically, patients will not experience the brain fog or dissociative effects generally associated with ketamine use.

Topical ketamine can be applied 3-4 times per day. Typically, patients will use it every 4-6 hours.

Pharmacists will combine topical ketamine with other ingredients to improve the pain relief, such as:
  • Muscle relaxers
  • Anti-inflammatory agents (ketoprofen)
  • Numbing agents (lidocaine)
  • Neuropathic agents (gabapentin/amitriptyline)

Topical Ketamine for Pain

Are There Side Effects?

As mentioned, topical ketamine has limited side effects. It is well tolerated, even in high concentrations.

Ketamine in a clinical setting is also well tolerated. However, some side effects include:
  • Brain fog
  • Dissociative feelings
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Elevated blood pressure or heart rate

Patients must take intravenous or intranasal ketamine in the doctor’s office for close monitoring. Overseeing patients helps ensure side effects do not become dangerous and also helps protect against potential addiction.

Ketamine is not physically addictive and will not cause withdrawal if discontinued. However, psychological addiction may be possible as patients may grow to desire the way it makes them feel.

Are There Side Effects
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Want to Know More About Ketamine?

Ketamine therapy has helped many patients suffering from chronic pain. If you would like to learn more, don’t hesitate to contact our pharmacists.

We are knowledgeable about compounding ketamine for pain, depression, and more.

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