what is ketamine

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that is used in humans and animals. It is referred to as a “dissociative anesthetic hallucinogen” because it makes patients feel detached from their pain and environment. Ketamine can induce a state of sedation, immobility, relief from pain, and amnesia. It is also known to have some hallucinogenic effects and can distort perceptions of sight and sound. Ketamine is found in both liquid and powder form, and it can be injected, snorted, smoked, or mixed into drinks. It is often abused for its dissociative sensations and hallucinogenic effects. Ketamine has also been used to facilitate sexual assault and is considered a “date rape” drug. Ketamine is legally used in humans as a sedative for minor surgery and in animals as a tranquilizer. Clinical trials and studies are assessing ketamine as a treatment for depression, and early indications show good results. However, ketamine can cause psychological dependence, hallucinations, and loss of sense of time and reality. At higher doses, it can cause movement problems, body numbness, slowed breathing, and even death.