KETAMINE – Information and Harm Reduction
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a psychoactive substance that has found applications both in medicine and as a recreational drug. It was first introduced to the market in the 1960s as an analgesic and general anesthetic. However, over time, it gained popularity in recreational circles due to its ability to induce dissociative and psychedelic effects.
Description and History of Ketamine
Ketamine is a chemical compound that belongs to the group of arylcyclohexylamines. It was first developed by the American chemist Calvin Stevens in 1962. In medicine, it found application as a general anesthetic, particularly in situations requiring rapid induction of anesthesia in patients. However, in recreational and club environments, it became known as “Special K” or “Keta” and was used for its ability to induce psychoactive effects, such as altered perception of time and space, as well as feelings of dissociation from the body.
VIDEO: Do's and don'ts of ketamine use (enable captions)
How does Ketamine work?
Ketamine is a psychoactive substance that mainly affects the central nervous system. It works by modifying NMDA receptors in the brain, leading to psychoactive effects such as spatial and temporal disorientation. Ketamine is often used for recreational and medical purposes, especially as a pain reliever and in psychotherapy.Ketamine: Effects
Ketamine: Duration of Effects
- Onset of effects: Ketamine effects typically appear relatively quickly after consumption, usually within a few minutes.
- Peak action: Ketamine reaches its maximum effect within the first 20-30 minutes after consumption.
- Duration of effects: Ketamine effects can last for about 1-2 hours, but this may vary depending on the dosage and individual body response.
- Come-down: After the period of ketamine action, users may experience a “come-down,” characterized by a decrease in energy and possible nausea.
Ketamine: Dosage
- Standard dose: A typical ketamine dose ranges from 20-100 mg and can be administered orally or through injection. Dosage may vary depending on the purpose of use.
- Low dose: Dosage below 20 mg is considered low and may produce subtle effects.
- High dose: Dosage above 100 mg can lead to stronger effects, but it carries a higher risk of side effects and health consequences.
VIDEO: How does Ketamine work? (enable captions)
Harm Reduction: Ketamine
Do not use ketamine, especially if:
- You have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure.
- You are taking medications that may interact with ketamine.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You have a history of mental health issues.
- You are in an uncontrolled or unfamiliar environment.
Here are some basic harm reduction tips for using ketamine:
- If you lack experience and/or certainty of dosage, start with a low dose.
- Maintain adequate hydration but avoid excessive water intake (hydration must be balanced).
- Avoid frequent use to prevent tolerance and potential neurotoxicity.
- Exercise caution when combining ketamine with other substances.
- In case of serious adverse effects, seek medical help immediately.
- Always test ketamine for purity using a reliable PRO Test drug testing kit. Learn how to test ketamine by checking the article /how-to-test-ketamine/.
Click on the article above to learn how to test ketamine.
Mixing: Ketamine
It’s best not to mix any psychoactive substances, but if it can’t be avoided, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers. Here’s a list of the main risks of mixing ketamine with popular psychoactive substances:
- Ketamine and Alcohol: The combination of ketamine and alcohol can increase cardiac risks and lead to potentially impaired judgment.
- Ketamine and Benzodiazepines: The combination may lead to reduced ketamine effects while increasing the risk of excessive consumption of either substance.
- Ketamine and DMT: Mixing ketamine with DMT can amplify effects and potential disorientation.
- Ketamine and GBL: Combining ketamine with GBL carries an increased risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
- Ketamine and GHB: The combination of ketamine with GHB may lead to an increased risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
- Ketamine and Psilocybin Mushrooms: The combination may lead to potential enhancement of psychedelic effects.
- Ketamine and Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Reduced ketamine effects may lead to excessive ketamine consumption.
- Ketamine and Amphetamine: Mixing ketamine with amphetamine can lead to intensified dissociative experiences and disorientation.
- Ketamine and Caffeine: The combination can amplify stimulating effects and potentially increase heart rate.
- Ketamine and MDMA: Combining ketamine with MDMA can increase the risk of cardiovascular system stress and potentially excessive stimulation.
- Ketamine and LSD: Mixing ketamine with LSD can potentially amplify psychedelic effects.
- Ketamine and MAOi: The combination of ketamine with MAOi carries very high risks.
- Ketamine and Methamphetamine: Concurrent use of ketamine and methamphetamine can overly stimulate the cardiovascular system and increase health risks.
- Ketamine and NBOMe: Mixing ketamine with NBOMe can lead to intensified effects and increased risk of excessive stimulation.
- Ketamine and Opioids: Combining ketamine with opioids carries an increased risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
- Ketamine and Nitrous Oxide: The combination can lead to intensified dissociative effects and potential disorientation.
- Ketamine and THC: Mixing ketamine with THC can increase the risk of anxiety and paranoia.
- Ketamine and Tramadol: Combining ketamine with tramadol may carry the potential risk of serotonin syndrome and life-threatening reactions.
Is Ketamine Legal?
Ketamine is classified as a controlled substance in many countries, including Poland and the United States. In most jurisdictions, it’s illegal to produce, possess, or distribute ketamine for non-medical purposes.
Sources:
- erowid.org
- dmt-nexus.me
- psychonautwiki.org
- tripsit.me
- wikipedia.org
Disclaimer
The information presented on this page is not intended to promote drug use. Many of the substances mentioned are illegal according to national and international law, and possessing these substances is punishable by law. Never assume that a substance is safe. The concentration, purity, and additives can vary greatly, even if the samples come from the same source or look similar. Chemical Safety sp. z o.o. strongly discourages the use of any psychoactive substances – legal or illegal. Using psychoactive substances always carries health risks that can be avoided.
