Treatment for Hyperalgesia

The primary aim is to determine whether perioperative NMDA-receptor antagonism has differential effects on postoperative pain, hyperalgesia and morbidity in younger and older patients. In order to achieve this aim, the researchers propose to conduct the first randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study designed to investigate age differences in the effects of perioperative oral administration of an NMDA-receptor antagonist (amantadine) in men undergoing radical prostatectomy. In addition, age differences in psychosocial factors and the pharmacological properties of amantadine and morphine will be measured to control for, and clarify, their contribution to the differences found. The specific objectives of the study are to: 1. investigate the effects of perioperative NMDA receptor blockade on postoperative hyperalgesia, pain and analgesic consumption in young and elderly men 2. assess age differences in the intensity and course of secondary hyperalgesia after surgery