Also known as K, super K, special K, lady K, vitamin K, cat tranquiliser, ket, ketaset, ketalar, kitkat, horse trank, horse tranquiliser
Ketamine is a dissociative drug. It is commonly used by vets to sedate animals. Doctors also use it as an anaesthetic or can prescribe it for the treatment of depression. Some people use ketamine illegally for recreational purposes. The drug is manufactured as a liquid which is then evaporated to form a white or light brown powder.
Ketamine can be snorted using a small glass nasal inhaler called a “bumper” or it can be dissolved in liquids, sprinkled on other drugs or taken as a tablet. In different forms, it can be swallowed, smoked or injected. Ketamine is sometimes used along with other drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine, cannabis or tobacco. During production, it can be mixed with other substances which may be harmful, making it hard to know what you are taking.
Effects of ketamine
Effects depend on the person (age, weight, size, health and tolerance), as well as the strength, the amount taken, and if it is used with other drugs, including alcohol. When injected, the effects are felt within 1 minute, when snorted (5 to 15 minutes), when swallowed (up to 30 minutes). As it wears off, you may experience “comedown” effects, which can last 2 to 3 days.
Short-term effects, both desired and undesired, may include…
Long-term effects may include…
Effects from overdosing: can’t move, dizziness, stomach pain, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, convulsions, unconsciousness, death.
If a person is experiencing an overdose or is unresponsive call 000 for an ambulance. If unconscious, put them in the recovery position. If not breathing, start CPR. Paramedics won’t involve police unless the person is a danger to themselves or others.
How long does ketamine stay in your system?
Depends on use and person. Generally, effects last around 1 hour, though can be felt up to 24 hours. It can be detected in saliva up to 2 days, in blood up to 3 days, in urine 3 days or up to 2 weeks and in hair up to 3 months.
There is no safe way to use ketamine. There will always be a health risk. The only way to be safe is not to use. If you choose to use, the following will help reduce risk:
Before: take a friend and tell them what you plan on using, plan how to get home (to avoid driving under the influence), use new or clean equipment. Injecting is not recommended, though if choosing to inject, get your own clean, sharp syringe and find a clean location.
During: go slow, start with a low dose then wait to see effects before having a bit more, know and keep to your limits. Safely dispose of syringes.
Avoid: using ketamine with other drugs, including alcohol, using too much or too often, needle or equipment sharing. While using don’t be alone, don’t drive or do risky activities or be responsible for the care of others.
It may be a problem if you agree with any of these statements:
In Australia, it is illegal to use or possess ketamine without a prescription from a doctor, or to sell or give ketamine to someone else for recreational use. It is also illegal to possess any implement for using ketamine. In Queensland, it is illegal to possess needles or syringes if they are not disposed of safely and therefore pose a risk to others.
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