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Ketamine
Ketamine (ketamine hydrochloride)
was developed for use as an anesthetic, and it is still
used for that purpose in some medical and veterinary
contexts. As a "dissociative anesthetic," it distances
the user from physical sensations, and it also relieves
pain. Ketamine is chemically similar to PCP, but it
is more fast acting and less potent. It is also very
addictive. Ketamine is sold commercially as Ketalar.
Street names are Ketter, Special K, Lady K, Vitamin
K, or just K.
Methods of Use
When used for recreational purposes, Ketamine is usually
snorted as a white powder, but it can also be injected
for increased psychedelic effect.
Types
Ketamine is generally manufactured as a liquid, but it can
also be cooked into a white powder and snorted or injected.
It is sometimes sold as or mixed with Ecstacy.
Effects on the Central Nervous System
Ketamine activates specific opioid receptors (sigma
opioid receptors) in the central nervous system. The
sigma opioid receptor has been implicated in many of
the symptoms of schizophrenia. Specifically, Ketamine
acts to decrease functioning of the thalamus, which
is a sort of routing station for perceptual signals
in the brain. The result is that sensory perception
is blunted. Ketamine also reduces the functioning of
the hypothalamus, which adds emotional "tone" to experience.
The result is that users feel emotionally detached from
reality.
Intoxication
At the lower dosage ranges, Ketamine
may make users feel like they are floating or leaving
their body. At higher doses, Ketamine has hallucinogenic
effects on the nervous system. Users may feel that they
are having a spiritual or out-of-body experience. Some
people are frightened by this hallucinogenic effect,
which is sometimes called a "K-hole" on the streets.
Ketamine can cause increased heart rate at lower doses and
altered states of consciousness at higher doses. It
is particularly dangerous in combination with other
depressant drugs like alcohol or sedatives.
Other side effects include:
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Dry mouth
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Respiratory problems and difficulty breathing
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Nervousness
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Racing or slowed heartbeat
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Nausea or vomiting
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Hallucinations
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Nightmares
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Double vision
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Muscle spasms that resemble seizures
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Life Risks
Aside from the risk of dependence and
addiction, Ketamine use involves health risks that have
not been thoroughly studied or well documented. Long-term
use may induce personality changes, including paranoia
and delusional thinking. Because Ketamine is sometimes
injected, infection can result from shared or dirty
needles.
Warning Signs
Withdrawal symptoms for Ketamine have
not been clearly established but may include nightmares,
disorientation, and a sense of unreality.
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