what kind of drug is ketamine

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that also acts as a rapid-acting analgesic and NMDA receptor antagonist. It is used medically for anesthesia, particularly in settings where other anesthetics are less suitable, and in some cases for pain management and treatment-resistant mood disorders under controlled conditions. It is also known recreationally and carries risks of dissociation, perceptual changes, and potential for misuse. Depending on the jurisdiction, ketamine is regulated as a controlled substance with penalties for illicit possession, distribution, or manufacture.