After the death of actor Matthew Perry, ketamine—for decades used as a popular party drug—came into the public eye once more. According to the medical examiner, Perry, who had been undergoing “ketamine infusion therapy” for depression, had levels of the drug in his body in the range used for general anesthesia during surgery. Ketamine use can be fatal in people who are alcoholics or acutely intoxicated with alcohol. There are animal reports of an increased risk of toxicity when ketamine is combined with caffeine. Theoretically, this may be a concern in people who have consumed energy drinks, often done at nightclubs where this medicine may be abused.
Mechanism of action
Ketamine offers a promising alternative for individuals with treatment-resistant mental health disorders, providing rapid relief from depressive symptoms. However, it is essential to approach ketamine treatment with a clear understanding of its potential risks and side effects. Most side effects are temporary and mild, but serious adverse effects, though rare, require immediate medical attention.
Common ketamine side effects
The rise of ketamine therapy for mental health conditions has been nothing short of meteoric. Patients who have exhausted traditional treatment options often turn to ketamine therapy as a last resort, hoping to find relief where other medications and therapies have failed. The allure is understandable – reports of rapid and significant improvements in mood and outlook have circulated widely, offering a glimmer of hope to those who have long struggled with the weight of mental illness.
- While ketamine is not traditionally considered highly addictive, users may develop a compulsion to seek out the drug for its psychoactive effects.
- For example, neuroplasticity is related to memory consolidation, fear extinction, and restructuring of traumatic memories 9.
- Large, repeated doses of ketamine may eventually cause ‘ketamine bladder syndrome’ – a painful condition needing ongoing treatment.
- These properties made it a popular choice in surgeries and as an emergency field anesthetic during the Vietnam War.
- Motor function and cognitive function are both impaired from the use of Ketamine.
- However, as with all powerful medicines, responsible use, ongoing research, and ethical oversight are essential to unlocking its full potential while avoiding misuse.
- But there’s much more to it, especially regarding its potential benefits for mental health.
Clinical Administration vs. Recreational Use: A Distinction
Ketamine is a medication that doctors use as an anesthetic to induce loss of consciousness. Under the Controlled Substances Act, health experts consider ketamine a schedule III non-narcotic substance. However, as with all powerful medicines, responsible use, ongoing research, and ethical oversight are essential to unlocking its full potential while avoiding misuse. People can make smart choices about this strong drug by being well-informed and taking the right steps. This effect is generally mild compared to other anesthetics but can still be a concern ketamine short term effects in sensitive patients or in those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Ketamine’s interaction with NMDA receptors are thought to play a crucial role in its therapeutic effects.
Risks and Dangers of Recreational Ketamine Use
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. This medicine may make you have unusual thoughts or behaviors after the surgery. You might feel confused or excited, or you might see or hear things that are not really there. Call your doctor if these thoughts or behaviors are severe or last longer than 24 hours. Some participants in the study were consuming more than a gram of ketamine per day, which is quite extreme.
SUPPORT
We guide our clients on their journey Alcoholics Anonymous to recovery and self-discovery through a blend of medical detoxification, evidence-based therapies, holistic wellness practices, and unwavering support. At Wellness Retreat Recovery, we believe in treating not just the addiction but the whole person, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of recovery. Motor function and cognitive function are both impaired from the use of Ketamine. According to a study published in the Journal of Anesthesiology, Ketamine can cause relaxing effects that make it a unique sedative, analgesic and anesthetic drug.
