Ketamine – Anesthetic

Ketamine

Ketamine is a type of dissociative anesthetic drug that is used to induce and maintain general anesthesia in humans and animals. It is also used for pain management and sedation in certain cases.
Ketamine works by blocking the action of a neurotransmitter called glutamate, which is involved in sensory perception, memory, and consciousness. By doing so, it creates a state of dissociation, where the user feels detached from their body and surroundings, and may experience hallucinations, dream-like states, and altered perception of time and space.

Ketamine  Dose
Ketamine can be administered by injection, intranasal spray, oral tablet, or lozenge. The dose, route, and frequency of administration depend on the purpose, the patient’s weight, age, and medical condition, and the doctor’s preference. The onset of action is within minutes, and the duration of action is up to an hour.

Ketamine  Side Effects
Ketamine may cause some side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, salivation, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, respiratory depression, muscle rigidity, involuntary movements, nystagmus (rapid eye movements), blurred vision, double vision, dreams, nightmares, emergence phenomena (psychological reactions during recovery from anesthesia, such as agitation, anxiety, fear, hallucinations, or delirium), and allergic reactions. Some of these side effects may be more pronounced in elderly or debilitated patients.