Ketamine, Ketamine hydrochloride, Ketalar, Ketaset
Ketamine, Ket, K, Kit kat, Special K, Super K, Vitamin K
Ketamine is a N-methyl-D-aspartic acid antagonist. It is an anaesthetic and an analgesic agent. It is used in paediatric anaesthesia and vetinary anaesthesia. (to immobilize cats and monkeys!) It is soluble in water. In its intended use it can be given intramuscularly. It has also been used in the treatment of resistant trigeminal neuralgia, post herpetic neuralgia and other forms of neuropathic pain. top
Ketamine is either presented in ampoules or as a white tablet or powder. "Wraps" in foil or paper or occasionally capsules are used. The powder is very similar in appearance to cocaine hydrochloride. Pharmaceutically prepared Ketamine for human use is only made as injectable ampoules in the UK.
Ketamine is a "sometime" constituent of tablets sold as ecstacy top
Ketamine powder is "snorted" into the nose. This results in rapid inhalation of the powder and cutting agents. Ketamine is absorbed via the mucous membranes into the blood stream.
Ketamine can also be swallowed in tablet form. The onset of action is 20-30 minutes via this route.
Ketamine injections are administered into muscle tissue or the venous system. See risks top
Ketamine can produce a wide range of effects in individuals. The drugs effects will be influenced by body weight, tolerance and the presence of other drugs. The principal reason it is misused is its tendency to induce hallucinations.
The principal effects are the result of the drug crossing the blood brain barrier, to bind with receptors in the brain. Muscle tone increases. Heart and pulse rate increase. The drug can cause hallucinations, both visual and auditory. The user appears numbed to the outside world. Awareness, although altered may only be partial. Auditory perception is said to be narrowed. The ability to respond may be limited by muscle spasm and rigidity. The user may appear sedated, if not disturbed by the effects of the drug. Nausea and vomiting may occur. Some degree of paralysis can occur. The effects of the drug may be dependent on environmental factors.
For unwary drug misusers Ketamine can be a nightmare drug. The combination of a "bad trip" and being trapped within a partially anaesthetized body. top
Ketamine us is associated with flashbacks and other psychological problems which become more frequent with long term use. Memory loss and dysfunction are common. The development of psychotic illness in vulnerable users is a real danger.
Tolerance develops with repeated use. Dependence is largely psychological. The progression to injection, and particularly IV injection markedly increase the risks of overdose. top
Ketamine can be a very unpleasant drug. It is contraindicated for anyone with a medical history of heart disease, high blood pressure and Mental illness.
The risks of overdose and greatly increased by injection. IV injection is extremely hazardous with the user risking the loss of muscular control before the injection is completed. Other risks include, vomiting, aspiration of vomit and death, (while your awake to experience it!, but paralyzed)
The effects of ketamine are also variable and the duration of action on individuals varies with reports of the effects lasting 72 hours.
Ketamine is hazardous if mixed with sedatives or depressants (alcohol barbiturates Benzodiazepines) top
No specific data available. top
No commercially available test, specific for ketamine is widely in us in the UK. top
Ketamine is a prescription only medicine and its use is controlled under the Medicines act. Sale or trafficking, without a license is illegal. top