an NMDA receptor antagonist most often known for its effectiveness in anesthesia particularly in the battlefield where it delivers prompt pain relief without creating cardiovascular issues.  It’s also known for its use – in high doses – as the recreational drug “Special K”.

Delivered as an infusion or intramuscularly, as a cream, gel or intranasally (often in combination with other analgesics), ketamine can be effective, at least in the short term, in treating several chronic pain states including complex regional pain syndrome and fibromyalgia as well as difficult to treat cases of depression.