Beyond Anesthesia: Ketamine’s Expanding Role in Chronic Pain and Psychiatric Disorders
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience July 25, 2025 Christopher Zaki 1 citation
Ketamine shows significant efficacy for managing chronic pain conditions such as neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and complex regional pain syndrome, especially in treatment-resistant cases. Up to 50% of chronic pain patients experience depression or anxiety. Ketamine's NMDA receptor antagonism underlies both its analgesic effects and rapid antidepressant responses in treatment-resistant depression and acute suicidal ideation, as evidenced by its FDA-approved formulation Spravato (esketamine). Emerging evidence supports potential use in anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and some substance use disorders. Psychomimetic effects and safety concerns require careful clinical oversight.