Increase in delta- and beta-wave activity of the EEG during rapid opiate detoxification (ROD)-reversal by administration of the non-specific NMDA-antagonist S(+) ketamine-

Abstract Little is known on effects taking place in the CNS during rapid opioid detoxification (ROD) while the patient is under anesthesia. We therefore measured EEG-power spectra in the β, α, Θ, and δ-band in 36 patients undergoing ROD. Measurements were taken before, during steady-state anesthesia and following administration of the antagonist naltrexone. In addition, the non-specific NMDA-antagonist S(+) ketamine was given for reduction of CNS-hyperexcitation, while the efficacy of this adjunct was determined using EEG power spectra analysis. Compared to steady-state anesthesia, EEG power spectra were characterized by a marked decrease of power by 251% in the delta (0.5–3 Hz) and an increase by 209% in the beta- (13–30 Hz) domain when withdrawal was induced with naltrexone. Subsequent administration of S(+)-ketamine induced a reversal of acute abstinence-related EEG power changes: compared to anesthesia with naltrexone on board, power in the EEG increased by 65% in the delta- and decreased by 723% in the beta-band. While sympathetically induced hemodynamic alterations in anesthesia-assisted opioid detoxification can be attenuated by the α 2 -agonist clonidine and sedation, central nervous sensory activation can be attenuated by the administration of S(+)-ketamine (1.5 mg/kg). Since EEG alterations during acute withdrawal with naltrexone can be controlled by the non-specific NMDA-antagonist S(+)-ketamine, this latter presents a useful adjunct during ROD management.