Ketamine is a powerful medication originally developed as an anesthetic, but it is now used for a variety of purposes, both medical and recreational. Its effects depend heavily on the dose, method of administration, and context in which it's used.
What Is Ketamine?
Medical Uses:
General anesthesia (especially in emergency or battlefield settings)
Off-label use for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain
Sometimes used in veterinary medicine
Recreational Use:
Sometimes taken for its dissociative, euphoric, or hallucinogenic effects
High doses can lead to a state known as a "K-hole"an intense dissociative experience
How Is Ketamine Taken?
1. Intravenous (IV) Injection or Infusion
Common in hospitals and ketamine clinics
Used for anesthesia or depression treatment
Rapid onset; effects within minutes
2. Intramuscular (IM) Injection
Also used medically, especially when IV access is difficult
Slightly slower onset than IV
3. Intranasal (Nasal Spray)
Approved version: Spravato (esketamine) for depression
Self-administered in a clinical setting under supervision
4. Oral (Pills or Liquid)
Less common; low bioavailability (body absorbs it less efficiently)
Sometimes compounded for pain or depression
5. Recreational (Snorted Powder)
Illicit form usually comes as a powder that is insufflated (snorted)
This is illegal and carries risks like addiction, bladder damage, and psychological effects
What Does It Feel Like?
Low to moderate doses:
Euphoria
Mild hallucinations
Floating or disconnected feeling
Sedation
High doses:
Deep dissociation
Visual and auditory distortions
Out-of-body experiences
Loss of motor control
Risks and Side Effects
Short-term:
Nausea, dizziness
Confusion, blurred vision
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Long-term (especially with frequent or recreational use):
Cognitive impairments
Bladder toxicity (can be severe and irreversible)
Addiction
Depression and anxiety after effects wear off
Legal Status in the U.S.
Schedule III controlled substance (available by prescription only)
Esketamine (Spravato) is FDA-approved for depression, but only in certified clinics under supervision
If you're asking about ketamine for mental health treatment, it's essential to consult a licensed healthcare provider. If the question is related to recreational use, it's important to understand the medical and legal risks. Would you like details about ketamine therapy for depression or how it compares to other treatments?
