Ketamine for Chronic Lower Back Pain and Depression
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This is a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of ketamine infusions followed by a brief behavioral intervention in Veterans with chronic low back pain and depression.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop your current medications, but it requires no changes in your pain or depression medication regimen for 4 weeks before starting. This suggests you should continue your current medications without changes.
Is ketamine generally safe for humans when used for chronic pain and depression?
Ketamine has been used for chronic pain and depression, and while it can cause side effects like changes in mood, heart rate, and perception, its safety profile is better at lower doses used for these conditions. However, there is limited long-term safety data, and more research is needed to fully understand its safety with repeated use.12345
How does the drug ketamine differ from other treatments for chronic lower back pain and depression?
Ketamine is unique because it works on different brain receptors than typical painkillers and antidepressants, offering pain relief and mood improvement, especially when other treatments have failed. It can be administered in various ways, including epidurally, and has a lower risk of causing breathing problems compared to opioids.15678
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug ketamine for chronic lower back pain and depression?
Research shows that ketamine can be effective in reducing chronic pain and has antidepressant effects, especially in cases where other treatments have failed. It has been used successfully for various chronic pain conditions, including cancer-related pain, and can reduce the need for opioids, which are strong painkillers.1591011
Who Is on the Research Team?
Victoria D Powell, MD
Principal Investigator
VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for veterans who have long-term lower back pain paired with depression. It's a pilot study, which means it's an early test to see if the approach works well and is safe.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Initial Pilot Phase
Open-label single-arm pilot of ketamine infusions followed by a brief behavioral intervention in a small sample of Veterans
Randomized Controlled Trial Phase
Single-blind, two-arm pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial to assess feasibility benchmarks and collect outcome data
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Brief narrative intervention
- Ketamine hydrochloride
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor