Profound pain reduction after induction of memantine treatment in two patients with severe phantom limb pain.
We present the cases of two patients who suffered severe lower extremity injuries and subsequently developed phantom limb pain (PLP) that was refractory to high dose opioids and adjunctive pain medications. Both patients were receiving large doses of oral methadone, IV hydromorphone via a patient-controlled analgesia delivery system, and adjunctive medications including tricyclic antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and anti-epileptics. Despite these treatments, the patients had severe PLP. Upon induction of the oral N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist memantine, both patients had a profound reduction in their PLP without any apparent side effects from the medication.
Hackworth
Robert J
RJ
Naval Medical Center San Diego, Department of Anesthesiology, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA 92134, USA.
Tokarz
Kyle A
KA
Fowler
Ian M
IM
Wallace
Scott C
SC
Stedje-Larsen
Eric T
ET
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008559:Memantine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010591:Phantom Limb / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D008559:Memantine