Abstract
Ketamine (2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)-cyclohexanone) an anaesthetic derivative of phencyclidine (PCP) with analgesic, neuroprotective and psychedelic properties is an unusual anaesthetic in its ability to produce a “dissociative” state. It is the action (antagonism) at NMDA (N-methyl aspartate) receptors that is responsible for much of ketamine’s activities. In medicinal and veterinary settings, use is well documented and the drug has a good safety record. However, unregulated use outside of such controlled environments is a cause for concern. In non-medicinal use the stereo selective kinetics and the complex mechanism of action may lead to unpredictable effects. At low doses stimulant effects predominate and environmental conditions are significant, but with higher doses psychedelic effects become the primary experience. When used by inhalation (insufflation) the alteration in perception of auditory, visual and painful stimuli results in a general ‘lack of responsive awareness’ which puts the user at risk of personal damage, which can go unrecognised. It is reported that the perceptual and mood changes observed in those who have consumed ketamine are highly sensitive to age, dose, route, previous experience and setting, The pharmacokinetics of this drug when used in a recreational setting; the effects and potential risks associated with its use will be discussed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The SAGE Handbook of Drug and Alcohol Studies |
| Subtitle of host publication | Biological Approaches |
| Place of Publication | London, UK |
| Publisher | Sage Publications |
| Pages | 177-193 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Edition | 1st |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-1-1-4462-9867-1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2016 |
Keywords
- Ketamine
- dissociative anaethetic
- emergence phenomena