Symptomatic Improvement in Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Oral Ketamine. WMJ 2024 Nov;123(5):384-386
Date
11/13/2024Pubmed ID
39509625Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85209168794 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often is treated as a partially diet-responsive functional bowel disorder. Few interventions have been found to be effective in diet-refractory IBS, leading to lifestyle disruptions due to persistent symptoms. The efficacy of low-dose home ketamine therapy suggests others may benefit.
CASE PRESENTATION: A female patient in her 60s with progressive presumed IBS with diarrhea found diet-based treatments ineffective, resulting in severe lifestyle disruptions. After a hysterectomy, intolerance to opioids for postoperative pain prompted the use of intravenous ketamine. An unexpected and prolonged improvement in IBS symptoms resulted. The patient sought continued treatment with ketamine for IBS symptoms and experienced continued symptomatic relief with 20 mg oral ketamine every 2 weeks at home.
DISCUSSION: No other published cases of ketamine for IBS were found.
CONCLUSIONS: While dietary changes remain the gold standard for IBS, this patient experience highlights ketamine as a potential adjunct therapy.
Author List
Dyara O, Topoluk N, Woehlck HJAuthor
Harvey J. Woehlck MD Professor in the Anesthesiology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Administration, OralAnalgesics
Female
Humans
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Ketamine
Middle Aged
