Ketamine: Old Drug but New Use for Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating form of chronic pain that affects 6.9-10% of the population. Health-related quality-of-life is impeded by neuropathic pain, which not only includes physical impairment, but the mental wellbeing of the patient is also hindered. A reduction in both physical and mental wellbeing bares economic costs that need to be accounted for. A variety of medications are in use for the treatment of neuropathic pain, such as calcium channel α2δagonists, serotonin/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants.