Possible gabapentin and ketamine interaction causing prolonged central nervous system depression during post-operative recovery following cervical laminoplasty: a case report
A. Elyassi, Robert Long, Robert P. Bejnarowicz, B. Schoneboom
Journal of Medical Case Reports April 28, 2011 DOI: 10.1186/1752-1947-5-167 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A 58-year-old African-American man with post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain undergoing cervical laminoplasty |
| Interventions | Gabapentin Ketamine |
| Topics | Depression Esketamine Ketamine |
| Key findings | After cervical laminoplasty, the patient presented in a dissociative state with paralysis, anarthria, and preserved consciousness. All organic causes were excluded except possible prolonged central nervous system depression from a gabapentin/ketamine interaction; a new-onset conversion disorder could not be excluded. The authors state that this single case is insufficient to substantiate a true adverse reaction but warrants further investigation. |
Abstract
IntroductionThe drugs gabapentin and ketamine are used frequently in the peri-operative setting. There is poor documentation whether or not gabapentin and ketamine interact to cause prolonged depression of the central nervous system.Case PresentationThe following is a case report in which a patient, a 58-year-old African-American man, with a history of post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain underwent a cervical laminoplasty procedure. The patient presented post-operatively in a dissociative state with paralysis, anarthria and preservation of consciousness. All organic causes were excluded, with the exception of prolonged central nervous system depression from a gabapentin/ketamine drug interaction. A new onset conversion disorder could also not be excluded.ConclusionAlthough this case by itself is not enough evidence to substantiate a true adverse reaction between gabapentin and ketamine, it is enough to warrant further investigation.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on ketamine for depression, most cited first.