Journal of Clinical & Experimental Pharmacology

Abstract

Ketamine: An Update for Its Use in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Major Depressive Disorder

William E Bentley, Michael Sabia, Michael E Goldberg and Irving W Wainer

Abstract In recent years, there has been significant research in regard to the efficacy of ketamine in regards to treating Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Many patients have had substantial symptomatic relief; however, not all patients have had positive results. This has prompted current research with evidence to suggest certain biomarkers exist that would infer which patients will/will not respond to ketamine treatment. Current biomarkers of interest include D-Serine (D-Ser) and magnesium, which will be discussed. Whether or not D-Ser and/or magnesium levels should be checked and possibly dictate therapy is an area of future research. It is also possible that downstream metabolites of ketamine are the key to successful therapy