However, if you have abused ketamine for a non-medical use, it can harm your health, and you need to seek urgent medical help. Commonly known as “Special K,” the drug can be injected or used in its powder form that is snorted, smoked, or mixed into drinks. The initial IV dose of Ketalar ranges from 1 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight to 4.5 mg per kg of body weight. The initial dose for anesthesia induction is administered over several minutes.

Deterrence and Patient Education

This drug has been linked to conditions like depression, hysteria, memory loss, and high blood pressure in regular users. Researchers are investigating ketamine as a potential treatment for depression and suicidal ideation, with promising results. Currently, ketamine is not FDA-approved for treating any psychiatric disorder. A similar drug, the nasal spray Spravato (esketamine), is approved in combination with an oral antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression.

In conclusion, ketamine toxicity and addiction pose significant risks to a small segment of the population, and given increasing utilization, the prevalence of these phenomena is expected to increase. Once someone has been medically stabilized from a ketamine overdose, this may be an ideal time to speak to them about the benefits of seeking substance misuse treatment regarding their ketamine use (or use of other drugs). Addressing the behavioral aspect of ketamine misuse through professional intervention could be a valuable tool in preventing these dangers from being realized. There are different ways to identify a person the signs of a potential ketamine addiction. We’ll be examining the symptoms to look out for, and factors that can increase the risk of developing a dependence or addiction to ketamine.

Ketamine Overdose: Dangers, Effects, and Treatment

Acute kidney injury, electrolyte abnormalities, liver failure, and rhabdomyolysis may also occur. She helps brands craft factual, yet relatable content that resonates with diverse audiences. Rehabilitation centers can help with different treatment options, detox programs, and other necessary assistance for overcoming dependency. Ketamine is also used for anesthesia in a range of veterinary procedures, such as for dogs, cats, and other animals.

As a Schedule III drug, ketamine is available for medicinal use with a prescription. It is sometimes used off-label for pain relief and can provide sedative effects. Ketamine is injected intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM, in a muscle) when used for surgery. It is typically substance abuse coping skills used for anesthesia induction before other anesthetic drugs are administered.

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

1. The effects of abuse typically last 1 to 2 hours, but the users judgement, senses and coordination may be affected for up to 24 hours or longer.
2. Aside from its medical use as an anesthetic, ketamine is prescribed by some healthcare providers as an alternative treatment for severe depression.
3. Ketamine is also used for anesthesia in a range of veterinary procedures, such as for dogs, cats, and other animals.

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Mechanism of Action

While ketamine isn’t the most fatal of substances when used alone, developing an addiction to this drug can greatly affect quality of life. Before Spravato was approved in 2019, ketamine was prescribed off-label for the treatment of depression. Other off-label uses of ketamine include treating bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as substance use disorder.

While users report feeling complete bliss on ketamine, consuming whippet drug high amounts of this drug can produce effects similar to a near-death experience. In addition, the FDA now recognizes the antidepressant benefits of ketamine when it is combined with oral depressants. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Ketamine does not cause any persistent problems when it is used for anesthesia.