What Are The Side Effects of Ketamine?

Ketamine, initially developed in the 1960s, has come a long way from its use as an anaesthetic to now also a promising treatment for mental health disorders. Ketamine is classified as a dissociative drug, known for its ability to distort sensory perception and induce a feeling of detachment from oneself and the environment. But what are the effects of ketamine?

Whilst acknowledging its potential benefits when utilised for medical reasons, we must also consider the risks and legal implications of its use. In this article, we explore ketamine use and the impact this substance can have on both medical and recreational aspects.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic, known chemically as a cyclohexanone derivative. It primarily operates as an NMDA receptor antagonist, altering sensory perception, including sight and sound, and creating a sense of detachment from the environment and oneself.

This unique chemical nature contributes to its varied use in medicine and recreation. Unlike typical sedatives, ketamine maintains protective airway reflexes, blood pressure, and heart rate, distinguishing it in clinical settings.

What are the Medical Uses of Ketamine?

In medical contexts, ketamine currently serves primarily as an anaesthetic, valuable for its safety profile, especially in patients with unstable cardiovascular health. Its medical use is well established in both human and veterinary medicine, where it is administered in controlled settings to ensure patient safety. Ketamine is also known to be used as a horse tranquilliser or as a sedative for other large animals.

Beyond anaesthesia, its role in treating mental health disorders, such as treatment-resistant depression and PTSD, has also gained attention in the medical field. Additionally, its potential in addiction treatment is currently being explored, offering hope in battling chronic addiction cycles.

Ketamine’s Potential for Treating Addiction

Although it’s still in the clinical trial phase, ketamine is being explored for its potential use in addiction treatment in the future.

The University of Exeter is leading a relatively new study, which is being funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). It’s now moved on to the next phase, which will determine whether it’s a safe and viable treatment option for alcohol addiction. More research is needed to really understand how best to use it for treating addiction, as well as the long-term effects.

Its potential use in addiction treatment can be understood through the following mechanisms:

• Helps the brain learn new ways: Ketamine can facilitate the brain’s ability to form new connections. This is like helping the brain learn new ways of doing things, which can be really useful for people trying to overcome addiction.
• Quick relief: One notable aspect of ketamine is its rapid effectiveness. For people struggling with really strong cravings or tough withdrawal symptoms, this quick action could potentially be a big help.
• It can potentially help with dual diagnosis: Often, people with addiction also struggle with other mental health issues. Ketamine may also help with these conditions.
• Eases withdrawal symptoms: Ketamine might make the tough symptoms of withdrawal less severe, which can make the whole process of recovery easier.
• Breaks old habits: Ketamine has a special way of working in the brain that might help break the cycle of addiction. This has been proven (on a smaller scale) in a clinical trial conducted by the University of Exeter, with 86% of participants still practising sobriety at their 6-month check-up.

The Dangers of Ketamine Misuse

When it comes to the illegal use of ketamine, individuals either snort the substance (when it’s in powder form) or orally ingest it (if it’s in tablet form). This substance can also be injected and smoked. Illicit ketamine is often found as a clear liquid, which is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, making it easy to divert from medical supplies and process into powder for recreational use.

Unfortunately, ketamine misuse has grown, as it’s often used for its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects. Misuse among young adults aged 16 to 24 years has increased in the UK, with a reported prevalence of 3.8% as of the year ending March 2023.

Commonly known as a ‘club drug’, it’s used for its ability to induce almost a trance-like state, euphoria, and out-of-body experiences. However, ketamine use outside of medical reasons can come with serious risks, including the potential to develop ketamine addiction. The dangers increase when ketamine is used with other drugs, such as MDMA, amphetamines, or alcohol, as polydrug use can amplify the harmful effects and risks associated with these drugs.

Ketamine misuse is so dangerous, in fact, that it’s classed as a Class B drug. In addition, ketamine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance, meaning it has recognised medical uses but is strictly regulated due to its potential for abuse and dependence. This means that it’s illegal to be in possession of it (unless it is a valid prescription), to give it away or to distribute it in any way.

What Are the Side Effects of Ketamine?

The effects of ketamine can vary significantly depending on the amount of the drug consumed. At low doses, users may experience mild or initial effects, while higher doses can lead to more intense and potentially dangerous outcomes. Some effects of ketamine can last for several hours, especially when larger amounts are taken.

See below for more information on the specific physical and psychological effects of ketamine.

The Physical Side Effects of Ketamine

The short-term physical effects of ketamine misuse can include increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as numbness. At higher doses, complete sensory detachment leads to the “K-hole” experience. Some people also report not being able to feel pain when actively using ketamine, which can put them at risk of hurting themselves without knowing. Combining ketamine with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, can result in severe respiratory depression and even death.

Long-term use, however, is linked to more severe consequences. This can include:

• Bladder and kidney complications.
• Gastrointestinal complications.
• Neurological impairment, with repeated use potentially leading to tolerance and physical dependence.
• Liver damage.

The Psychological Side Effects of Ketamine

Psychologically, ketamine can induce a range of immediate effects. These can range from mild euphoria to intense hallucinations. Some people will also dissociate, which occurs when an individual’s grasp on reality is compromised, and they become unsure of their identity.

Long-term impacts are a little more complex. Although it can offer rapid relief in depression, chronic abuse may lead to adverse reactions and cognitive deficits, which might worsen certain mental health conditions. The potential for dependency and addiction is also a serious concern, which is why careful management in medical settings is absolutely essential.

The Common Risks and Side Effects of Ketamine Use

Ketamine use, whether medically administered or recreationally consumed, carries risks.

Common side effects of ketamine use include:

• Disorientation.
• Visual and/or auditory hallucinations.
• Confusion.
• Agitation.
• Red or flushed skin.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Panic attacks.
• Dizziness
• Dissociative episodes.
• Overdose risks (especially when taken in high doses and at the same time as other substances, such as alcohol, cocaine, or other drugs).

Find Help for Ketamine Addiction Today

We hope you’ve found our article on the effects of ketamine use informative. If you’re struggling with drug abuse and feel you would benefit from a bit of support, please reach out to us today. Our team of understanding addiction experts have helped many who have been where you are right now. Don’t suffer in silence; let us help you find the proper support for your unique requirements.

Reach out to us today at 0800 012 6088 for more information on how we can help those struggling with ketamine addiction.