Ketamine
special K, vitamin K, K
ketamine
history
Ketamine was developed in the mid 1960s and is an anaesthetic drug legally produced for use in human and animal medicine, although it is rarely used in humans due to the side effects.
appearance
Ketamine can come as a white powder or a clear liquid.
Ketamine is sometimes sold as Ecstasy. It is impossible to tell the difference between tablets containing Ketamine or tablets containing Ecstasy until taken.
method of use
A tiny amount of powder is an active dose (30mg–50mg). It can be snorted up the nose, swallowed or injected.
effects
The effects of ketamine can be stimulating, creating feelings of increased energy and euphoria.
Other effects can include floating sensations, numbness, loss of time, nausea and loss or disconnection from the body for up to 30 minutes if snorted and for up to 3 hours if swallowed or injected. Users may experience blurred vision and difficulty in moving and speaking.
health risks
Ketamine should not be used with alcohol and other sedative-type drugs as this dramatically increases the chance of problems occurring.
Users may feel confused, disorientated and not realise they are hallucinating. These consequences could be particularly frightening if the user had intended to take Ecstasy.
Ketamine has been linked to a wide range of mental health problems including anxiety, panic attacks, post traumatic stress, persistent perpetual changes, depression, insomnia and suicide.
There have been no reports of fatal overdoses associated with the drug.
Because of the risk of HIV and hepatitis infection, if ketamine is injected, works must NEVER be shared with anyone. The only guarantee of safety from hepatitis or HIV infection is a new disposable syringe and needle for each person concerned. There is a needle exchange at BDP where new works are given free and any chemist will sell clean works cheaply. Pharmacy exchange schemes exist in Bristol (list available at BDP).
dependency
No dependency cases have been reported with Ketamine, but the long-term consequences of the drug are currently unknown.
safer clubbing
Although it is important to drink lots of non-alcoholic fluids when using drugs in a hot club, drinking too much can kill. A user dancing in a hot club should drink only one pint of water per hour, not more, and eat something salty to replace lost body salts.
Remember to take time out and cool down.
If someone is panicky and starts breathing rapidly, take them to a quite place and calm them down by reassuring them that they are safe. Do not give them anything to eat or drink other than sips of water. Help them to breath slowly in and out.
If someone collapses (eyes rolled back, erratic breathing, skin cold and clammy) call an ambulance, tell them what they have taken.
the law
Ketamine is a class C Drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.