Ketamine May Ease Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms

A recent study examined how ketamine may reduce fentanyl withdrawal symptoms, with promising implications for medical detox and withdrawal management.

Ketamine is a dissociative sedative and anesthetic drug. Researchers propose that administering a low dose of ketamine before buprenorphine may ease symptoms and improve the fentanyl detox process during withdrawal management.

Improving Fentanyl Withdrawal Management in Detox

Study co-author Dr. Lucinda Grande describes the fentanyl withdrawal process as immensely uncomfortable. She lists side effects like bone and muscle pain, intense stomach cramps, vomiting and extreme anxiety.

In medication-assisted treatment (MAT), buprenorphine is used to reduce cravings and block opioid effects during detox and recovery.

However, buprenorphine can initially trigger precipitated withdrawal, which may make patients hesitant to begin detox. 

Lead researcher Dr. J. Luke Engeriser echoed these sentiments. He mentioned patients waiting days to take buprenorphine to avoid the initial intensity of withdrawal symptoms.

Dr. Engeriser aimed to improve withdrawal management by making the detox process more comfortable and accessible for patients.  

Study Method & Findings

The study followed 50 participants admitted to a crisis center in Mobile, Alabama for fentanyl detox.

They all reported using fentanyl recently and were in the moderate stage of withdrawal. Researchers injected the patients with a small amount of ketamine, noting their comfort levels and intensity of withdrawal symptoms. 

Forty-nine patients reported feeling better within an hour of receiving the ketamine dose, with most or all symptoms easing entirely. Grande noticed they had an easier transition to buprenorphine treatment. 

Without ketamine, most patients stay at crisis centers for 66 hours on average when seeking help with fentanyl withdrawal. The patients who received ketamine were ready to leave after an average of 7 hours.

When the trial concluded, the clinic adopted ketamine dosing as part of a faster detox approach, though rapid detox methods remain medically complex and should be supervised.

You can explore top-rated detox treatment facilities in Mobile to get started with medically supervised withdrawal management.

Customized Detox

While ketamine continues to undergo rigorous studies for its benefits and drawbacks to substance use disorders, there are other helpful steps you can still take.

Search detox.com’s directory of verified detox treatment centers to start receiving help today. You can also call 800-996-6135(Sponsored) for additional assistance.