Ketamine

Ketamine is an anesthetic drug which is sometimes illegally used due to its psychedelic effects. It can be made into tablets, pills, or powder. Its medical utility began in the 1960s during the Vietnam War. This was generally taken by soldiers who were suffering from burns, injury, and other sources of pain. It is currently categorized as a dissociative anesthetic and is on the list of controlled substances. One of its most popular street names is “special K”. Those who misuse it may experience hallucinations, euphoria, confusion, increased heart rate and blood pressure, anxiety, violence, slurred speech, and blurred vision. Some of the effects at high doses include out of body experience, near death experience, and coma. Unfortunately, it is also being used as a date-rape drug since it has immobilizing effects. Interestingly, ketamine is being studied as an antidepressant. With the right dosage, it may repair brain lesions due to stress and lift patients’ mood.