Information on Ketamine
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist, meaning it blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate neurotransmitter in the brain. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties, classified as both a sedative and a hallucinogen. It distorts perception, induces feelings of detachment, and produces sedation, pain relief, and amnesia. Medically, it is used for anesthesia, pain management, and treatment-resistant depression under strict supervision. However, it is also misused recreationally for its dissociative and euphoric effects. Ketamine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (CSA), meaning that it has accepted medical uses but it also carries a high risk of abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.
Common Names
Ketalar, Ketaset, Ketajet, Ketavet, Vetamine, Vetaket, and Ketamine Hydrochloride Injection
Street Names
Special K, Super K, K, Kit Kat, Cat Valium, Cat Tranquilizer, Super Acid, Special La Coke, Purple, Jet, Jet K, and Vitamin K
Appearance
Ketamine is found in two primary forms:
- Clear liquid (used in medical settings for injection)
- White or off-white powder (often illicitly manufactured)
Powdered ketamine is commonly packaged in small glass vials, plastic bags, capsules, or folded paper and foil.
Short-Term Effects
Ketamine affects both the mind and body, with rapid onset typically occurring within minutes and lasting 30 to 60 minutes. The intensity of effects varies depending on dosage, method of use, and individual sensitivity.
Mental Effects:
- Hallucinations that distort visual and auditory perception
- Feelings of detachment from reality, surroundings, and self
- Loss of control and unresponsiveness to external stimuli
- In higher doses, users may enter a "K-hole"—a state of profound dissociation, sensory distortion, and detachment from the body, often described as an "out-of-body" or "near-death" experience
Physical Effects:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure (peaking within minutes, then subsiding over 10-20 minutes)
- Sedation, pain relief, amnesia, and immobility
- Nausea and vomiting
Long-Term Effects
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) has been reported weeks after ketamine use, causing individuals to re-experience negative side effects similar to those felt during initial use. Long-term ketamine use may also lead to agitation, depression, cognitive difficulties, unconsciousness, and amnesia. Regular or high-dose use increases the risk of cognitive impairment, as well as significant bladder and urinary tract damage, which can result in chronic pain and incontinence. Additionally, ketamine carries a high risk of psychological dependency and potential for addiction.
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Risks:
- Polydrug Use: Ketamine overdose is rare when used alone but significantly more dangerous when combined with alcohol or other depressants, increasing risks of respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological issues, unconsciousness, and fatal toxicity.
- Mental Health: Misuse may worsen anxiety or depression outside of controlled therapeutic environments under medical supervision.
- Medication Interactions: Ketamine may interact with prescriptions like antidepressants.
- Illicit Ketamine Risks: Street-purchased ketamine may contain unknown adulterants or inconsistent potency, heightening overdose risks.
- Addiction
Harm Reduction
- Safe Use: Test substances, avoid using alone, and stay in a trusted environment with sober friends.
- Take a small dose and wait an hour to avoid becoming overwhelmed with the effects
- Overdose Awareness: Recognize signs (unconsciousness and dangerously slowed breathing) and seek immediate help.