| Drug Index |
| GENERIC NAME : |
| ketamine |
| BRAND NAMES : |
| Ketamine, Ketalar, Ketaset, Ketajet, Ketavet, Vetamine, Vetaket |
| STREET NAMES : |
| Special K, K, Kit Cat, Cat Valium, Super Acid, Special La Coke, Purple, Jet and Vitamin K Slang for the experiences related to Ketamine include |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION : |
| Ketamine is a crystalline powder with a rapid-acting non-barbiturate dissociative anesthetic, structurally and pharmacologically similar to phencyclidine (PCP). It is called a dissociative anesthetic because it selectively interrupts the associative pathways of the brain to inhibit painful sensations. Ketamine produces sedation, immobility, amnesia and analgesia, as well as changes in mood, body image, and hallucinations. It is distributed as a dried powder or as liquid and can be snorted, smoked, or ingested orally or injected. Ketamine is sometimes found in combination with MDMA, amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine, or carisoprodol. |
| INDICATIONS FOR USE : |
| Ketamine is used a general anesthetic and analgesic for diagnostic and operative procedures as it does not impair pharyngeal-laryngeal reflexes, cause cardiovascular and respiratory stimulation and has only occasionally transient or minimal respiratory depression. It has short-term effects lasting about 45 minutes. It is also used by veterinarians on animals undergoing operative procedures. New research studies show Ketamine is useful in relieving major depression in hours rather than the weeks and months of other antidepressants (NIMH, 2009). |
| ABUSE AND ADDICTIVE POTENTIAL : |
| Ketamine produces the physical effects of PCP with the visual effects of LSD. Ketamine has abusive and addictive potential due to the rapid onset of psychological manifestations of pleasant dream-like states, euphoria, vivid imagery, and hallucinations. The "high" lasts for a short time usually one hour, but can last for 4-6 hours. It relieves tension and anxiety, is a sexual stimulant, and intensifies colors and sounds. Ketamine is considered a "club drug" or date rape drug because of the sedative effect that can cause amnesia. It is increasing in popularity among young adults at pharming parties. Availability is from diversion from pharmacies in Mexico or stolen from veterinarians. |
| OVERDOSAGE : |
| Overdose can occur with prolonged but complete recovery. No residual psychological effects are known to result from the use of ketamine. High doses can cause amnesia, paranoia, hallucinations, depression and difficulty breathing, vomiting and convulsions. Long-term use can lead to tolerance and physical or psychological dependence and may take as much as two years for symptoms to be relieved (www.streetdrugs.com). |
| CAUTIONS : |
| Caution should used in pregnancy and lactation, head injury, stroke, eye injury, glaucoma, uncontrolled high blood pressure, mental disorders, thyroid problems or alcohol abuse. Since ketamine is an analgesic, caution should be used to prevent injury to self. |
| SIDE EFFECTS : |
| An elevation of blood pressure is noted shortly after injection of ketamine, but can return to normal after 15 minutes. Irrational behavior, confusion, excitement and delirium has been reported but usually last only a few hours with recurrences taking place up to 24 hours after an operative procedure. |
| FOR MORE INFORMATION : |
Department of Enforcement Agency (DEA) Office of Diversion Control (2007, August). Drugs and chemicals of concern. Retrieved from http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugs_concern/ketamine/ketamine.htm http://www.streetdrugs.org/daterape.htm http://www.streetdrugs.org/ketamine.htm |
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