US EditionOff-Label Ketamine Use for Chronic Pain Lacks Scientific Basis
A review of 67 trials with over 2,300 adults found no clear benefits of ketamine for chronic pain and noted increased risks of adverse effects, researchers said.
- A recent Cochrane review found that off-label ketamine use for chronic pain lacks evidence of benefit and increases risks of adverse effects like delusions and nausea.
- Researchers from UNSW Sydney, Neuroscience Research Australia , and Brunel University of London examined 67 trials involving over 2,300 adults, finding no clear benefit across conditions or doses.
- Clinicians note `the most common adverse events were psychotomimetic effects such as delusions, delirium and paranoia, as well as nausea and vomiting`, highlighting concerns about rapid ketamine adoption without strong evidence.
- Immediately, the review aims to inform patients and clinicians about ketamine’s uncertain benefits and highlights the urgent need for high-quality trials to clarify its role in chronic pain care.
- Noting research gaps, Neil O'Connell, Professor at Brunel University of London, said that while some studies report patient improvement after ketamine, evidence remains limited and short-term benefits are unconvincing.
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Is ketamine the answer for chronic pain? New findings cast doubt
A sweeping review of 67 trials has cast doubt on the use of ketamine and similar NMDA receptor antagonists for chronic pain relief. While ketamine is frequently prescribed off-label for conditions like fibromyalgia and nerve pain, researchers found little convincing evidence of real benefit and flagged serious side effects such as delusions and nausea. The lack of data on whether it reduces depression or opioid use adds to the uncertainty.
Can ketamine ease chronic pain? A new review says not enough evidence
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Ketamine use in chronic pain unsupported by evidence
The off-label use of ketamine to treat chronic pain is not supported by scientific evidence, a new Cochrane review has found. Ketamine is an anaesthetic commonly used for procedural sedation and short-term pain relief. Ketamine is also frequently prescribed off-label to manage chronic pain conditions such as nerve pain, fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome. However, the Cochrane review found no clear evidence of benefit in these cases.
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