Gabapentin & Ketamine for Prevention/Treatment of Acute/Chronic Pain in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

This study is testing whether combining gabapentin (a nerve pain medication) and ketamine (an anesthetic used in low doses for pain) can prevent or reduce severe pain in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer undergoing radiation or chemoradiation therapy. Pain from this treatment can be severe and long-lasting. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 21 or older and have confirmed head and neck cancer - Your cancer is locally advanced but has not spread to distant organs - You are planned to receive radiation therapy or chemoradiation as your primary or follow-up treatment - You are in reasonably good health (ECOG performance status 0–2) - You speak English **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You are already taking gabapentin or ketamine - You have previously had a bad reaction to gabapentin or ketamine - Your anatomy prevents you from receiving ketamine through the nose - You have a history of seizures, schizophrenia, or increased pressure in the brain - Your kidney function is significantly impaired (GFR below 30) Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.