Ketamine is a drug that has been used for medical purposes for many years. It is classified as an anesthetic and is most commonly used in hospital settings to help alleviate pain during procedures. In recent years, however, ketamine has become increasingly popular due to it being a promising treatment for depression. Ketamine treatment is now available as a form of effective therapy. Learn more about ketamine’s role in depression.
While ketamine has shown to be an effective treatment for depression, there are also a number of side effects associated with the drug. These side effects can be both mental and physical, and they can range from mild to severe. It is important to be aware of these potential side effects before undergoing ketamine therapy.
When given by a medical professional, the right dose of ketamine will cause patients to feel both calm and relaxed. ketamine can also cause a dissociative state, where patients may feel detached from their surroundings or even from their own bodies. In some cases, ketamine may also cause hallucinations. These effects are usually temporary and will wear off within a few hours.
However, ketamine can also cause some more serious side effects. These side effects areThey may also experience momentarily immobility, pain relief, and amnesia.
Dangers of Recreational Use
The recreational use of ketamine has several health risks, particularly for those who consume higher doses. Individuals who take a large enough quantity of ketamine run the danger of becoming trapped in a “K-hole,” an uncomfortable state characterized by violent visual and auditory hallucinations combined with a sense of disconnection from reality.
The time it takes for ketamine to take effect depends on how the drug is ingested. If smoked, the effects will be felt immediately. Those who snort the drug will feel effects 5-10 minutes after administration, and oral ingestion produces effects in 15-20 minutes. The high from ketamine last 30-45 minutes after injection, 45-60 minutes when snorted, and 1-2 hours when taken orally. Some people use ketamine in a binge cycle because it’s a short-lasting drug; they’ll get high repeatedly using the drug and re-administer it once they start to come down from the first dose. Consulting with a healthcare professional is strongly recommended.
Mental Side Effects:
According to WebMD, some mental effects include:
- A dreamlike state
- Colorful dreams
- Feelings of intense strength and power
- Decreased focus
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Difficulty thinking
- Out-of-body experiences
- Alterations in discernment
- Amnesia
- Confusion
- Reduced awareness of the environment
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Dissociation
- Decreased ability to feel pain
- Forgetfulness
- Decreased coordination
Physical Side Effects
- Seeing two of everything
- Uncontrollable eye movements
- Seizures
- Trouble with basic motor skills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing/slowed breathing
- Shallow or stopped breathing altogether
- High blood pressure
- Lowered heart rate / abnormal heartbeat
- Rapid heartbeat
- Holding still/immobilized
- Excess saliva
- Mumbled, unclear speech
Long-term Effects
Taking too much of anything is not healthy. Repeated ketamine abuse can severely damage many organs, including the digestive system, urinary system, and brain. Abuse also puts a strain on the liver and kidneys and can cause irreversible damage to these systems. Long-term use of the drug can have irreversible psychological damage. Following are some examples of possible problems caused by chronic abuse of the drug:
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Paranoia
- Shortened attention span
- Mood swings
Ketamine is a powerful drug that can have a number of side effects, both mental and physical. It is important to be aware of these potential side effects before undergoing ketamine therapy. ketamine abuse can severely damage many organs, including the digestive system, urinary system, and brain. Abuse also puts a strain on the liver and kidneys and can cause irreversible damage to these systems. Long-term use of the drug can have irreversible psychological damage. If you or someone you know is struggling with ketamine abuse, please reach out to a healthcare professional for help.
