Miscellaneous substances

Ketamine

Drug group - Miscellaneous substances

Street names
K, Special K

Brand name
Ketalar. (Parke-Davis)

Drug effect
Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic with analgesic (painkilling) properties and effects vary according to dosage and method of administration. Although an anaesthetic agent, it is not a respiratory depressant, and it can produce altered states of consciousness. It is used in hospitals as a general anaesthetic and is normally given by either intravenous or intramuscular injection. If injected or snorted, effects will come on quickly and may be very intense. The user can become so divorced from reality that the surrounding environment is perceived completely differently. Users may feel numb, uncoordinated and nauseous for a few hours after the most intense effects wear off. When eaten, the process of dissociation is slowed down and users may feel numb and uncoordinated although conscious of their surroundings. Ketamine is structurally related to phencyclidine (PCP).

Description
Clear liquid (for injection)
White powder
Has also been found in 'fake' ecstasy tablets

Therapeutic use
As an anaesthetic, most commonly in emergency surgery, and by vets.

Street use
Swallowed, sniffed, smoked and injected

Dependency
Yes - psychological

Withdrawal
No physical withdrawal symptoms

Long term use
Uncommon but not unknown. Using such a powerful drug too often can lead to psychological disturbance and feelings of unreality.

Overdose risk
Rare. However, as with any anaesthetic, inhalation of vomit (after eating) is a serious risk if doses sufficient to induce anaesthesia are taken.

Legal status
Became a Class C drug on 1 January 2006.