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Analgesia with Ketamine and Its Metabolites: Mechanisms and Effects

  • Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam UMC

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Ketamine, initially developed as an anesthetic, has gained attention in recent decades for its analgesic and anti-hyperalgesic properties. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the analgesic and anti-hyperalgesic effects of ketamine and its metabolites, examining their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and exploring their pharmacological mechanisms and effects on brain function through functional neuroimaging studies. We found that the analgesic effects of ketamine and its metabolites are not only due to N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism, but to a multiplicity of interactions in pathways and neurobiological systems. Regarding brain function, the available evidence shows that ketamine modulates cognitive, emotional, and motivational circuits that are important in acute and chronic pain processing.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNeuromethods
PublisherHumana Press Inc.
Pages213-233
Number of pages21
Volume224
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025

Publication series

NameNeuromethods
Volume224
ISSN (Print)0893-2336
ISSN (Electronic)1940-6045

Keywords

  • Analgesia
  • Ketamine
  • Mechanisms of action
  • Metabolites
  • Neurobiology
  • Neuroimaging
  • Pain
  • Pharmacology

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