Quick info
Ketamine is a synthetic anesthetic and belongs to the group of dissociatives. Its effects are highly dependent on the amount consumed. Ketamine is usually used in low doses as a party drug, but in higher doses it can trigger strong out-of-body, psychedelic experiences ("K-Hole"). Ketamine is also used in psychiatry as a quick-acting antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression.
The effect of ketamine as an intoxicant is strongly dependent on the dosage: in lower doses it has a disinhibiting and relaxing effect, similar to alcohol, while higher doses can induce trance-like states up to out-of-body or near-death experiences ("K-Hole"). There may be a fragmentary dissolution of the environment and bodily sensation, thoughts may break off, feelings of weightlessness or floating may emerge. Sensory perceptions and the space-time sensation change.
At very high dosages, detachment from one's own body and/or ego dissolution or fusion with the environment may occur. After the trip: drowsiness, memory of the experience is often only partially possible.
Onset of action:
Snorted: after 5 - 10 minutes
Swallowed: after 15 - 20 minutes
Injected intramuscularly: 2 - 5 minutes
Injected intravenously: within seconds
Duration of effect:
45 minutes - 2 hours depending on dose and form of consumption.
The dosage of ketamine is highly dependent on the desired effect. In party settings, usually only a few milligrams are snorted to achieve the desired effect. A higher dosage produces a more intense effect and is not recommended in party settings.
Snorted
Light: 10 - 30 mg
Medium: 30 - 75 mg
Strong: 75 - 150 mg
Swallowed
Light: 50 - 100 mg
Medium: 100 - 300 mg
Strong: 300 - 450 mg
Injected intramuscularly
70 - 150 mg
Injected intravenously
~ 50 mg
Forms of appearance
whitecrystalline powder, crystals ("rocks") or small rods ("needles"). Rarely liquid as a solution.
Movement and communication may be severely restricted. Partial or complete insensitivity to pain, coordination disorders, sensation of weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, uncoordinated muscle movements, dizziness, slurred speech, increased pulse and blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias. At high doses, muscle stiffness, paralysis and narcosis, at very high doses, epileptic seizures and coma.
Ketamine puts a strain on the cardiovascular system. A ketamine trip can be psychologically very stressful. Many ketamine users report near-death experiences, nightmare hallucinations, tunnel visions, blackouts and short periods of memory loss. After repeated use over a short period of time, the effect wears off considerably and tolerance builds up.
Long-term risks
Ketaminecan cause dependence with psychological symptoms. Chronic use damages the liver, bladder, and kidney and can lead to depressive moods and anxiety. It is thought that even in small doses, ketamine can cause dysfunction in areas of the brain responsible for memory, learning, and cognition. The more often it is consumed and the larger the individual doses, the more alarming these disturbances become.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or alcohol, call an ambulance on 144. Tell the emergency responders everything you know.
It could save lives.
