The Danger of Using Ketamine

Ketamine has been used by veterinarians as an anesthetic for operating on animals but in human consumption, it has powerful hallucinogenic and painkilling attributes. As Johnson and Johnson plans to launch a new anti-depressant that contains the drug, here is some helpful information on the dangers of it.

What Is It?

Similar to opiates, Ketamine affects the brain and central nervous system creating a numbing sensation. Also known as Kit Kat, Special K, Cat Valiums and Vitamin K; it is similar to LSD, has a hallucinogenic effect and may distort perceptions.

How Is It Used?

Legally, it is available in liquid form and injected, however illegal use is in pill form or powder from which is snorted. It can also be smoked in tobacco. It is important to know that an individual’s mood or their emotional state at the time of using Ketamine will have a direct impact on the effects of the drug. Some individuals experience an ‘out of body experience.’ Once the drug is taken, by any method, the effects will begin immediately and will last approximately an hour.

Is It Addictive?

Research conducted on the addiction qualities of the drug indicate that an individual may develop a psychological addiction; however there are no physical addiction qualities associated with Ketamine use. There are no physical withdrawal symptoms connected to use, however psychologically, the user may develop a strong desire to continue using the drug. Studies show that users may develop a tolerance, as with any drug, with prolonged use and it will require more of the drug to achieve the same sense of numbing euphoria as with previous use.

Indications that an individual may be psychologically addicted to Ketamine are:
• Increasing the amount of the dose
• Frequent use of the drug
• Obsessed with using and getting more of the drug
• Neglect of financial responsibilities, work and school responsibilities
• Withdrawal from friends and family, but spending time with “new” friends that use the drug

Short Term and Long Term Dangers

There are many dangers associated with the drug. The anesthetic quality of Ketamine causes temporary paralysis making the individual unable to move while the pain relieving quality makes the individual unable to experience pain which could lead to self injury without realizing the injury. Ketamine is NOT for human consumption, so there is no safe dose established for humans and the individual could overdose on the drug. Combining it with other drugs or alcohol can create respiratory problems, heart failure and loss of consciousness and can be fatal.

There is indication that long term use of the drug can impact learning ability and can create deficiencies, attention deficit, as well as memory loss. As with LSD, Ketamine can produce severe and disturbing flashbacks and has been linked to neurosis and mental disorders.