Ketamine is a drug diverted from its original use as an anesthetic and used as a psychotropic drug. Most often sniffed, this drug is consumed in party circles and causes euphoric effects and hallucinations.
Definition: what is ketamine?
The Ketamine is a phencyclidine derivative , a veterinarian and human anesthetic used in the medical sector since early 1960. It is in the form of liquid natural colorless and odorless, white crystalline powder or rarely tablets or capsules . Mainly consumed during alternative festive events such as “rave parties” because of its euphoric and hallucinogens, it is bought for around 40 to 50 euros per gram of powder.
use
Ketamine is a substance used as an anesthetic and as a powerful analgesic (against pain). To relieve acute or chronic pain, ketamine is given in doses lower than those used for anesthesia. This substance is also used in pediatrics to perform small interventions, even to relieve headaches. In veterinary medicine, ketamine is used to anesthetize animals such as horses but also smaller pets.
Diverted from its medical use , it is then considered as a narcotic and consumed most of the time in the form of sniffed powder . In small doses it causes euphoria while in high doses, it causes hallucinations.
Properties
Ketamine, unlike many anesthetics, does not exert a marked effect on the lungs and heart. It is therefore possible to perform certain anesthesia with ketamine without it being necessary to take special measures to control breathing. In certain dosages, it even has the ability to stimulate the cardiovascular system rather than slowing it down. In addition, ketamine has psychotropic properties.
The effects last between one and two hours.
From psychoactive medication to narcotic
When ketamine is diverted from its medical use, it becomes a narcotic and its use is no longer controlled. It initially causes a state of relaxation, floating and euphoria. The more the dose is increased, the more it modifies sensory perceptions and in particular vision. Delusions can then occur with an alteration in the perception of time, the body and hallucinations. Some users even have the impression of coming out of their body. Usually the effects appear in 5-10 minutes and last between one and two hours.
Medicinal product containing ketamine in France
Ketamine is found in the drugs Ketamine Panpharma® and Ketamine Renaudin®. These treatments are only found in hospitals.
Side effects
Ketamine can cause psychiatric disturbances and alterations in consciousness , including a feeling of doubling up (decor ships), confusion or unreality. This is what explains why its use remains moderate in medicine. In addition, the anesthesia provided by ketamine is not very deep and therefore insufficient in some cases. At the dosages used, it can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting. More serious, in prolonged dose, ketamine promotes urinary tract infections (bladder) and gradually leads to destruction of the kidneys. Used as a drug and in high doses, it can cause unconsciousness or coma.
In some people, the consumption of ketamine causes a feeling of intense anxiety, called a “bad trip”, which in some cases requires medical attention.
Ketamine and depression
It is quite possible that, in the near future, ketamine will be used as a leading antidepressant (it is particularly useful in stabilizing people with bipolar disorder). Its onset of action is indeed much shorter than current treatments. In addition, it could be used to fight against alcoholism or drug addiction (heroin addiction, in particular).
Saliva test
Ketamine is currently only detectable in the urine for up to one day after taking it. There is no saliva or blood screening.
How do you know if you are dependent?
For the moment, the consumption of ketamine as a narcotic does not cause dependence because it remains punctual and in festive use. However, we must remain vigilant because regular consumption can generate dependence with a phenomenon of tolerance, that is to say an increase in doses and frequency to obtain the same effect. The consequences can then be significant on personal and professional life, and medical care is required.
My advice
As ketamine can be potentially hallucinogenic, it is best not to consume it alone, but always surrounded by trusted people who have not taken. Likewise, the intake should be spaced between meals to avoid the risk of nausea, and started at the smallest dose, avoiding mixing with other products, and in particular drugs.
