Ketamine is a hallucinogenic drug that also goes by street names such as Cat Tranquilizer, Cat Valium, Jet K, Kit Kat, Purple, Special K, Special La Coke, Super Acid, Super K, and Vitamin K. But where did it come from and what are its effects? Here are five things that you may not know about ketamine.
1. Why was it made?
Ketamine was originally created in the 1960s to be an injectable anesthetic for veterinarians and, rarely, with humans. It was later coopted as a street drug for its hallucinogenic qualities.
2. Why do people take it?
People typically take ketamine for its hallucinations and the dreamlike state and “out-of-body” experience it causes users to be in. It can only take a few minutes to take effect and lasts less than hour, meaning its effects are sometimes shorter lasting than other street drugs.
3. How do you take it?
Ketamine comes in liquid or powder form which can be injected, snorted or smoked.
4. What are its short term effects?
Intoxication from ketamine can cause the following negative short term side effects:
- Inability to focus
- Stunted learning
- Memory loss
- Delirium
- Amnesia
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Impaired motor function
- Potentially fatal respiratory problems
5. What are its long term effects?
Some side effects may take a long time to surface or may only occur after prolonged use. These can include:
- Flashbacks (occurring up to several weeks after taking ketamine)
- Agitation
- Depression
- Difficulties with cognition
- Disruption in consciousness leading to mental health conditions
Be sure to get help or contact a medical professional if someone you know is using ketamine.
Feature image hitthatswitch
