Ketamine is an anesthetic that blocks pain signals from reaching the brain. It's also used as a club drug and can be addictive if misused. As a medical treatment, ketamine has proven to be beneficial to certain patients who don't respond well to other painkillers. But it's not without side effects. Avoiding all drugs is the best way to keep your mind and body healthy, but in some situations, using ketamine responsibly can be useful and safe. Read on to learn more about this drug and its pros and cons.
What is ketamine?
Ketamine is an injectable anesthetic that has been used for decades in both human and veterinary medicine. It’s often used on animals that are too young for general anesthesia and is also a popular painkiller for people with certain injuries or diseases. Ketamine is also known as “Special K” or “KK” and is a common recreational drug. People use it at parties or raves as a psychedelic high and as an alternative to other drugs like cocaine, opiates, and ecstasy. The DEA tracks the amount of ketamine seized by law enforcement, and it’s one of the top 10 drugs listed in the United States by number of seizures. But ketamine is not an illegal drug — it is a controlled substance with various medical uses.
How does ketamine work?
Ketamine blocks pain signals from being sent to the brain by blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. These receptors are activated by the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses that produce pain. Ketamine belongs to a class of drugs known as general anesthetics. When given at the right dose, the substance causes the patient to go into a trance-like state, blocking their senses from the surrounding environment.
How is ketamine used as a medicine?
Ketamine is primarily used in emergency medical settings, as well as in veterinary care. After an injury, surgery, or an episode of severe pain, patients may require a large dose of ketamine to help relieve their discomfort. In certain situations, ketamine can also be used as a low-dose analgesic (painkiller) to treat long-term chronic pain. Studies have shown that ketamine blocks certain pain signals in the central nervous system, which has made it a helpful addition to treatment plans for certain patients. Ketamine can also be used to treat depression and anxiety disorders in both children and adults. Studies have found that the drug's hallucinatory effects can help people with bipolar disorder and depressive disorders break out of depressive states more quickly.
Side effects of Ketamine
There are many potential side effects of ketamine including confusion, impaired motor function, increased blood pressure and heart rate, numbness, dizziness, blurred vision, tingling, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. While ketamine is an effective anesthetic, the drug is not safe for long-term use since it can lead to addiction. Long-term use of ketamine has also been linked with multiple side effects including cognitive impairment, breathing problems, and potential liver damage. Users have reported developing cravings for the drug after a single use, especially when it is misused in large doses or in combination with other drugs. Ketamine has a high potential for abuse, and it should only be used as a medical treatment under strict supervision.
Safer usage tips for ketamine
- Do not use ketamine if you have a history of heart disease, mental illness, or kidney or liver problems. - Avoid combining ketamine use with alcohol or other drugs. - Stay hydrated while taking ketamine, as the drug can cause dehydration. - Stay in a safe, quiet environment when taking ketamine to avoid injury. - Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while you are under the influence of ketamine. These tips can help you stay safe and reduce the risk of experiencing negative side effects from taking ketamine. In certain situations, ketamine can be a helpful drug, but it is important to use it responsibly.
Final Words
Ketamine is a powerful drug that can be helpful in emergency situations. However, it isn’t safe for long-term use and has the potential for abuse. Ketamine has also been linked to negative long-term side effects such as cognitive impairment. To avoid these dangers, it’s important to take ketamine under the supervision of a doctor and avoid mixing it with alcohol or other drugs. If you or someone you love is struggling with ketamine abuse, help is available. Visit our web page to find a treatment program near you. You don’t have to relapse. There is help available.
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