Gabapentin and Ketamine Interaction in Post-Operative Recovery
Author Information
Author(s): Elyassi Ali R, Long Robert P, Bejnarowicz Robert P, Schoneboom Bruce A
Primary Institution: Tripler Army Medical Center
Hypothesis
Do gabapentin and ketamine interact to cause prolonged central nervous system depression?
Conclusion
This case suggests a potential interaction between gabapentin and ketamine that warrants further investigation.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient presented post-operatively in a dissociative state with paralysis and anarthria.
- All organic causes were excluded except for prolonged CNS depression from the drug interaction.
- The patient had a significant increase in sensory and motor function by the fourth day of hospitalization.
Takeaway
A patient who took gabapentin and ketamine after surgery had unusual symptoms that might be linked to the combination of these drugs.
Methodology
Case report of a single patient undergoing cervical laminoplasty.
Limitations
The findings are based on a single case and cannot establish a definitive causal relationship.
Participant Demographics
58-year-old African-American man with a history of PTSD and chronic pain.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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