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Is Namenda XR Better Than Ketamine?
Question: Hello, I have complex regional pain syndrome x 6 yrs. following serious head & neck nerve injuries of the head & neck (including branches of both trigeminal nerves). 2 questions:
Is Namenda xr (orally) as strong as IV ketamine infusion x 5 days? Attempting to "block the NMDA receptors in the brain.
How long does it take namenda xr to kick in? My starting dose was 28mg (started 5 days ago).
I'm on Cymbalta 60mg BID; Effexor IR 75mg qid; Effexor er 150mg BID; LDN (low dose naltrexone 4mg q day). No narcotic or NSAID touches the pain. Previously tried: lyrica, keppra, neurontin, amytriptiline, tegretol, IV valproic acid (off-label), and a psych. med that begins with a "T" (not Thorazine or Tramadol). This "central" pain cannot be controlled & is worsening. The intraspinal stimulator didn't work nor did a ten's unit or acupuncture; I get P. Therapy & cognitive/behavioral therapy each wk.
Thank you.
Is Namenda xr (orally) as strong as IV ketamine infusion x 5 days? Attempting to "block the NMDA receptors in the brain.
How long does it take namenda xr to kick in? My starting dose was 28mg (started 5 days ago).
I'm on Cymbalta 60mg BID; Effexor IR 75mg qid; Effexor er 150mg BID; LDN (low dose naltrexone 4mg q day). No narcotic or NSAID touches the pain. Previously tried: lyrica, keppra, neurontin, amytriptiline, tegretol, IV valproic acid (off-label), and a psych. med that begins with a "T" (not Thorazine or Tramadol). This "central" pain cannot be controlled & is worsening. The intraspinal stimulator didn't work nor did a ten's unit or acupuncture; I get P. Therapy & cognitive/behavioral therapy each wk.
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Namenda is weaker than ketamine.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Namenda XR is a weaker NMDA receptor antagonist than Ketamine, but is difficult to make comparisons between because of different properties and administration routes.
Namenda XR effects should be seen in a couple of weeks after starting.
Ketamine effects on CRPS symptoms is seen sooner and long term benefits are possible, but ketamine may result in side effects more serious than Namenda.
If not effective after a couple of months treatment with Namenda XR for CRPS, it is not advisable to continue it.
I see that you've already tried several treatment options, I would recommend use of corticosteroids, nerve block injections and topical creams such Capsaicin.
Drugs that are used to control bone loss ( Alendronate ) may also be considered.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards.
Namenda is weaker than ketamine.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Namenda XR is a weaker NMDA receptor antagonist than Ketamine, but is difficult to make comparisons between because of different properties and administration routes.
Namenda XR effects should be seen in a couple of weeks after starting.
Ketamine effects on CRPS symptoms is seen sooner and long term benefits are possible, but ketamine may result in side effects more serious than Namenda.
If not effective after a couple of months treatment with Namenda XR for CRPS, it is not advisable to continue it.
I see that you've already tried several treatment options, I would recommend use of corticosteroids, nerve block injections and topical creams such Capsaicin.
Drugs that are used to control bone loss ( Alendronate ) may also be considered.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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