Study: Ketamine Has No Clear Benefit for Chronic Pain

Study: Ketamine ShowsHas No Clear Benefit for Chronic Pain Treatment

Published AUG 18 2025

Study: Ketamine Has No Clear Benefit for Chronic Pain

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The Spin

The evidencewidespread isn'toff-label stronguse enoughof ketamine for chronic pain lacks scientific backing and poses real risks to definitivelypatients. ruleThis outcomprehensive review shows that ketamine doesn'st potentialdeliver benefitsmeaningful forpain chronicrelief painwhile sufferers.causing Withdistressing limitedside high-qualityeffects studieslike delusions and veryparanoia. lowDespite certaintyketamine ratingsbeing proposed to reduce depressive symptoms or opioid use in chronic pain patients, there'snone stillof significantthe uncertaintystudies aboutreviewed whetherreported on these outcomes, suggesting that ketamine couldshould helpbe patientsavoided.

Cochrane Library EuroNews

The evidence isn't strong enough to definitively rule out ketamine's potential benefits for chronic pain sufferers. While current evidence for ketamine in chronic pain is uncertain, it shows potential. Some patients report relief, and ketamine's unique action on NMDA receptors offers a novel approach. With better-designed studies, ketamine might become a valuable alternative to opioids. This review should spark more research — not halt exploration of its therapeutic possibilities.

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Metaculus Prediction

There's a 50% chance that a vaccine for any major neurodegenerative disease will receive regulatory approval by February 2047, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

Editor's Note

This story currently has limited coverage. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our reporting as additional information becomes available.