New study tests if esketamine causes fewer weird side effects than ketamine for ER pain
NCT ID NCT06853041
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compared two similar painkillers—esketamine and ketamine—given as low-dose injections to 74 adults with severe acute pain in the emergency department. The main goal was to see which drug caused fewer disturbing mental side effects like hallucinations or dizziness. Both drugs are alternatives to morphine and don't slow breathing, but their side effects can be unpleasant.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Esketamine and ketamine (low-dose intravenous injections)
What this could lead to
If esketamine causes fewer disturbing side effects than ketamine, it could become a preferred option for rapid pain relief in emergency rooms, reducing reliance on opioids.
What could go wrong
This is a small, single-center study with only 74 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Both drugs can still cause hallucinations or dizziness, and the benefit of esketamine over ketamine may be minimal.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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CHU de NICE
Nice, Alpes-maritimes, 06000, France