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Ketamine News
3rd February 2009

Some people who use ketamine are experiencing severe problems.

These may include:

  • Becoming vulnerable and forgetful.
  • Experiencing severe and long lasting abdominal pain (referred to as K-cramps).
  • Increased levels of anxiety, fear or panic attacks.
  • Stinging or burning when passing urine. These symptoms are similar to cystitis but this will not respond to normal cystitis treatments and can lead on to permanent harm to urinary tract, bladder and kidneys. There may also be a risk to other organs.
  • Needing to use higher and higher doses, using more frequently than intended and becoming psychologically dependent i.e. developing tolerance.
  • Feeling, depressed, anxious frightened and panicky when stopping ketamine use or reducing the amount you use.
  • People who inject ketamine run the additional risks of damage to veins, skin infections and contracting blood borne viruses such as hepatitis or HIV through sharing injecting equipment

Harm Reduction Advice

Being vulnerable. Make sure you’re with people you can trust and rely on when you’re using.

Avoid mixing ketamine with other drugs or alcohol as this may make problems worse.

K Cramps. Avoid swallowing ketamine – there is a strong belief that ketamine in the stomach makes cramps worse. Seek medical advice and mention your ketamine use to the doctor. Don’t sit in the bath to soothe the pain; there is a risk of unconsciousness and drowning.

Anxiety and panic. Stay with people who are safe and can support you. If these problems persist get support and advice from a drug agency or GP or other medical support.

Urinary tract symptoms. Drink plenty of water. Seek medical help. Tell your GP that you use ketamine and ask for a referral to an urologist. Try to stop or reduce your use if these symptoms start.

Tolerance. Try to keep your use as low as possible. Give yourself breaks from using if you can.

Preparing to detox Prepare yourself to stop using and get some professional help, and other support, to do this. Gradual reduction may help to manage these symptoms. Try to distract yourself with purposeful and enjoyable activities.

Injecting ketamine. Get safer injecting advice from your nearest needle exchange.

Detox Guideline

If you want to stop using ketamine or cut down then these guidelines may help you to prepare and be more successful.

  • Ask us for support – we have experience in helping people to plan a detox.
  • Cut back slowly so your body can adjust. For example use a bit less each time and use less frequently, start using later in the day, give yourself ‘break’ days. Aim for a specific day to stop using. Making a strong decision about not using is the best protection against relapse.
  • Treat symptomatically i.e. get relief for each symptom separately. Ask for advice from GP and Pharmacist for specific treatment for pain symptoms and withdrawal symptoms. Eat and drink plenty (especially water), keep it healthy.
  • Anxiety and sleep problems during detox may be treated with complimentary therapies. Discuss anxiety with your GP. Short-term Promethazine (Phenergan) has been useful. You may need a letter from your GP or a drug worker to get this from a chemist.
  • Expect to need a lot of sleep during first few days. Plan activities to establish healthy sleep routine after 3-4 days. Ask for advice about sleep.
  • Expect low motivation and low mood – serotonin and dopamine levels will be depleted following drug use and withdrawal. Routine, structure, activities and exercise will help manage this.
  • Plan meaningful and enjoyable activities to stimulate and reinforce positive progress – remind yourself you are doing well.
  • Plan to spend time with supportive friends – isolation may lead to relapse. Contact with ketamine using friends may also lead to relapse. Try to stay away.

Other Services Which May Be Of Help

  • If you have urinary tract symptoms bladder or kidney pain – talk to your GP, ask for a referral to the Urology Department – all local GPs have been sent a ketamine information sheet and should be aware of some of the issues.
  • Ask at BDP, or other drug project about support with a detox plan or come along to one of our ketamine workshops
  • Acupuncture can be really helpful in managing anxiety and pain and sleep problems, it is available without appointment at BDP on Mondays and Thursdays at 10.30 am.
  • If you have support workers from other agencies – tell them about your ketamine use so they can support you.