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Ketamine: Factsheet

  • Ketamine
Evidence ratings: This resource has undergone expert review. See our Help/Q&A section for more details.

This resource has undergone expert review. See our Help/Q&A section for more details.

Year: Year 9–10, Year 11–12
Targeted Drugs: Ketamine
Time Allocated: Partial lesson (under 45mins)
Origin: Australian
Cost:

Free

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is also known as K, Ket, special K, Vitamin K, or horse tranquiliser.

Ketamine (ketamine hydrochloride) is a white powder, usually sold in ‘bumps’ or grams. A ‘bump’ is a small amount of powder that is typically snorted. Ketamine can also be swallowed, smoked, or injected. As with all drugs sold in powder form, ketamine may also be sold ‘cut’ (mixed) with other white powder substances which may or may not be harmful. Visit theknow.org.au for Australian drug alerts.

Ketamine is used medically as an anaesthetic, for pain, and in some cases to manage treatment-resistant depression. It is also used by veterinarians to anaesthetise/sedate animals such as horses. When used medically, ketamine is given under medical supervision and the dose is carefully controlled.

What are the effects of Ketamine?

Ketamine falls under a class of drugs knows as ‘dissociatives’. If snorted, a ‘bump’ of ketamine takes effect within 5-10 minutes (shorter if injected and longer if swallowed). Its effects can last for a couple of hours.

The effects of ketamine vary, but may include:

Immediate Long-term
Increased heart rate and body temperature Dependence (see glossary)
Feeling of euphoria (a ‘high’) Problems with memory, attention, and decision making
Drowsiness Mental health problems
Giggliness Urinary tract dysfunction including ulcerative cystitis – symptoms include frequent and painful urination, cramps and involuntary urination.
Out of body experiences Intense abdominal pains known as ‘K-cramps’
Loss of coordination Kidney problems
Slurred speech Liver and bile-duct problems
Feeling dizzy or faint  
Confusion and disorientation  
Numbness and a feeling of paralysis  
Nausea and vomiting  
Anxiety and panic attacks  
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there)  
Paranoia (feeling extremely suspicious and frightened)  
Psychosis (see glossary)  
As dose increases, people may experience feelings of being trapped in a state of detachment. This is known as a ‘K-hole’ and can be a frightening experience.  

Evidence Base

This factsheet was developed following expert review by researchers at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Sydney, and Stassi Kypri at the National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs.

Sources

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