What It Is

Ketamine is 2-(2-Chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)- cyclohexanone, ketamine (commercially sold as Ketalar) is a powerful anaesthetic used for animals, although it is used in some human medical applications. It was first developed by the University of Michigan in 1965.

Street Names

Ketamine ‘K’, Special K, Vitamin K

How It Is Taken

It is either snorted or swallowed as a powder and either swallowed or injected as a liquid. If injected it is usually injected into the muscles rather than a vein.

What It Does

Ketamine causes hallucinations and as an anaesthetic stops the user feeling pain. Users may feel as if they have entered another reality or left their body.

Like most anesthetics, eating or drinking before taking ketamine may induce vomiting. Temporary paralysis has been reported in some users but is rare.

If regular used, the user will develop a tolerance to ketamine. It is not known whether ketamine use can lead to psychological or physical dependence, although both may be likely in some individuals.

An overdose can also cause the heart to stop.

Medical Uses

Ketamine is used medically as an anaesthetic for animals, although it is used in some human medical applications.