Ketamine: Mechanism and Uses

What is Ketamine?

• Ketamine is a medication primarily used as an anesthetic agent for surgery and other medical procedures.
• It is a dissociative anesthetic, which means it causes a disconnection between the mind and body.

Mechanism of Action

• Ketamine works by blocking the action of the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is involved in pain transmission and other functions.
• It also affects the brain's opioid system, which can lead to feelings of euphoria and dissociation.

Medical Uses

• Ketamine is used as an anesthetic agent for:
  • Short-term sedation
  • Pain relief
  • Treatment of depression (off-label use)
  • Treatment of chronic pain (off-label use)
• It is often used in veterinary medicine as well.

Recreational Use

• Ketamine is sometimes used recreationally, often in the form of powder or pills.
• It can produce feelings of euphoria, hallucinations, and dissociation from reality.
• Recreational use of ketamine can lead to addiction, memory problems, and bladder issues.

Side Effects

• Short-term side effects:
  • Hallucinations
  • Dissociation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
• Long-term side effects:
  • Memory problems
  • Bladder problems
  • Dependence and addiction
  • Psychotic episodes

Abuse and Addiction

• Ketamine can be addictive, especially when used recreationally.
• Signs of addiction include:
  • Increased tolerance
  • Withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped
  • Compulsive use despite negative consequences
• Treatment for ketamine addiction typically involves behavioral therapy and support groups.

What is Ketamine?

• Ketamine is a medication primarily used as an anesthetic agent for surgery and other medical procedures.
• It's a dissociative anesthetic, causing a disconnection between the mind and body.

Mechanism of Action

• Ketamine blocks the action of the neurotransmitter glutamate, involved in pain transmission and other functions.
• It affects the brain's opioid system, leading to feelings of euphoria and dissociation.

Medical Uses

• Ketamine is used for short-term sedation, pain relief, and treatment of depression (off-label use) and chronic pain (off-label use).
• It's also used in veterinary medicine.

Recreational Use

• Ketamine is sometimes used recreationally, often in powder or pill form.
• It produces feelings of euphoria, hallucinations, and dissociation from reality.
• Recreational use can lead to addiction, memory problems, and bladder issues.

Side Effects

• Short-term side effects include hallucinations, dissociation, nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness.
• Long-term side effects include memory problems, bladder problems, dependence, addiction, and psychotic episodes.

Abuse and Addiction

• Ketamine can be addictive, especially when used recreationally.
• Signs of addiction include increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and compulsive use despite negative consequences.
• Treatment for ketamine addiction typically involves behavioral therapy and support groups.