Ketamine in operations may lower use of opioids afterwards

 People with fibromyalgia undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery who are given ketamine during the operation then have less need for opioid pain relief after the operation.

(Ketamine is an anaesthetic drug given in operations since 1963.)

“Fibromyalgia is a complicated disease process which despite modern treatment often leaves these patients in significant pain,” Dr Jonathan Day said. “The subsequent high use of opioids further complicates their care. Low-dose ketamine, with its proven opioid sparing effects, may provide a novel avenue of treatment for patients with fibromyalgia.”

The study was small and has not yet been published in a journal but the results are in-line with anecdotal evidence. More in-depth research is needed.