The drug is primarily used for anesthesia.
It has also been used off-label in treating depression and PTSD and has been FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression.
MXE (methoxetamine) is also a similar drug made fromarylcyclohexylamines.
Psychonaught / Wikimedia Commons
This article discusses the possible therapeutic uses of ketamine as well as the potential for addiction.
It also covers treatment options that can help people recover from ketamine addiction.
Drug Class:Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist.
It has anesthetic, dissociative, and hallucinogenic effects.
How to Recognize Ketamine
Ketamine usually appears as a clear liquid or a white to off-white powder.
It can also be sold illegally in pill or capsule form.
It is tasteless and odorless.
What Does Ketamine Do?
It can also produce hallucinogenic-like effects, lasting a short period of time, from one to two hours.
It creates astate of total dissociationcalled a “k-hole.”
Because ketamine blocks glutamate receptors, it is sometimes used as a treatment for depression.
There is still much to learn about the safety and long-term effects of the psychiatric use of ketamine.
The anesthetic effects of ketamine usually last between one and three hours.
Research suggests that ketamine’s antidepressant effects can last two to four weeks.
Ketamine Addiction and Withdrawal
Ketamine has the potential for misuse and addiction.
Overdose
Taking too much ketamine can also lead to a drug overdose.
Benzodiazepines might be given to reduce agitation.
Over-sedation and drug interactions are a concern.
If you believe that someone has overdosed on ketamine or another substance, contact emergency services immediately.
Signs of addiction can include neglecting work and family responsibilities and spending large amounts of money on the drug.
These symptoms can range in severity from mild to more serious.
Treatment may occur on an inpatient, outpatient, or residential basis.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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