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KetamineKetamine hydrochloride is a dissociative anaesthetic. It is used primarily in veterinary settings as a short-acting anaesthetic. Ketamine is used for limited medical applications on humans because it does not depress breathing or circulation (in lower dosage). The use of ketamine for recreational use is illegal. |
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Last updated: 21 September 2010 What is Ketamine?Ketamine hydrochloride is a dissociative anaesthetic. It is used primarily in veterinary settings as a short-acting anaesthetic. Ketamine is used for limited medical applications on humans because it does not depress breathing or circulation (in lower dosage). The use of ketamine for recreational use is illegal. Street names include: Special K, K, Cat Tranquilizer, ket, Ketaset, ketalor, kitkat, super K, Vitamin K, Lady K. How is it used?Ketamine is a white crystalline powder. It can be made into tablets and pills or dissolved in a liquid. Ketamine is often swallowed, snorted or injected. It is also sometimes smoked with other substances such as cannabis or tobacco. Ketamine is used recreationally as a snorted white powder and for therapeutic and psychedelic use it is often injected intra-muscularly (IM). Ketamine has also been implicated as a drug used to facilitate sexual assault. EffectsLow to moderate dose can induce the following effects: • Impaired motor coordination
• drowsiness Some users have extremely unpleasant experiences with ketamine, which are sometimes known as "bad trips". People who use ketamine may fall into an anaesthetised state, a 'k-hole'.The experience of being in a k-hole varies but generally involves being socially detached, having hallucinations and experiencing a distorted sense of time and space. One of the more serious effects of using ketamine is that a user may harm themselves. There is the potential for people to cut or burn themselves unknowingly while using the drug. Immediate effectsThe effects of ketamine may be experienced within 30 seconds (if taken intravenously) to 20 minutes (if taken orally) and can last for one to three hours. Long-term effectsSome regular users experience flashbacks - the spontaneous recurrence of an experience that occurred while the user was under the influence of the drug. Flashbacks can occur days, weeks or months after a person has used ketamine. There is also some emerging evidence that repeated use may impair some aspects of memory and cognitive functions. Long-term, frequent use of ketamine has been linked to personality and mood changes including paranoia and egocentrism, reduced ability to concentrate and depression. Mixing with other drugsCombining ketamine with depressants such as alcohol, tranquillisers or GHB can slow down the body's central nervous system and is dangerous. At higher doses ketamine depresses consciousness and breathing and overdose is a significant risk when combined with depressants. Tolerance and dependenceTolerance to ketamine can develop very quickly, with people needing more and more to achieve the same euphoric and psychedelic effects. People who regularly use ketamine can develop a physical and psychological dependence. A person who uses it regularly may find it difficult to stop. WithdrawalThere is currently little evidence to support the view that people who are dependent on ketamine experience physical withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking it. Pregnancy and breastfeedingLittle is known about the effects of ketamine on the unborn child. Most drugs have some effect on the unborn baby if the mother uses them and it is not recommended that people use ketamine while pregnant or breastfeeding. The LawUsing ketamine, or keeping, selling or giving it to someone else is illegal. If you are caught you could face substantial fines and penalties including a prison sentence. DrivingIt is not safe to drive while using ketamine. Drowsiness, impaired motor coordination, and hallucinations can affect the ability to drive. To contact a service
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