What is Ketamine?

 
 
 
 
   
 
  • Ketamine is an anesthetic that is injectable and is approved for use by animals and humans since 1970

Street Names

  • Special K, K, Vitamin K, Cat Valiums, breakfast cereal, Kit Kat
  • “K-heads” – Ketamine abusers
  • “K-land” - dose of 100-200 mg of Ketamine
  • “K-hole” – Out of body near death encounter

Who Uses Ketamine?

  • 90% of legally sold Ketamine used is in the veterinary field
  • Increased in popularity when it was discovered that large doses of the drug caused hallucinogenic effects similar to PCP

Routes of Administration

  • Liquid
    • injection
  • White powder
    • Snorted
  • Smoked with tobacco or marijuana
  • Crystals can be smoked in a crack pipe
  • Orally

Signs & Symptoms of Use

  • Delirium
  • Amnesia
  • Impaired motor function
  • Impaired learning ability, memory and attention
  • Dizziness
  • Initial free-floating giddiness
  • Slurred speech
  • Combative or belligerent behavior
  • Convulsions

Short - Term Effects

  • High blood pressure
  • Increased heart rate
  • Depression
  • Potentially fatal respiratory problems
  • Mild dreamlike intoxication
  • A sensation of a mind/body separation
  • Impaired muscular coordination
  • Sensory perceptions

Long - Term Effects

  • Respiratory depression
  • Coma
  • DEATH

References:

  • Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association Resource Center, “Just the Facts, What are Club Drugs?” (October 1998)
  • Uppers, Downers, All Arounders: Physical and Mental Effects of Psychoactive Drugs (Paperback), 6th edition, by Darryl Inaba & William E. Cohen

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