What is Ketamine?
Ketamine (ketamine hydrochloride) is a central nervous system
depressant that produces a rapid-acting dissociative effect.
It was developed in the 1970s as a medical anesthetic for both
humans and animals. Ketamine is often mistaken for cocaine or
crystal methamphetamine because of a similarity in appearance
(NCADI, 2000).Also known as K, Special K, Vitamin K, Kit Kat, Keller, Super
Acid, and Super C, Ketamine is available in tablet, powder,
and liquid form. So powerful is the drug that, when injected,
there is a risk of losing motor control before the injection
is completed. In powder form, the drug can be snorted or
sprinkled on tobacco or marijuana and smoked (Partnership
for a Drug-Free America, 2000). The effects of Ketamine last
from 1 to 6 hours, and it is usually 24–48 hours before the user feels completely
“normal” again.Source: U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA's Center for Substance
Abuse Prevention. Prevention Alert: Club Drugs: Ketamine (Volume
3, Number 28 ed.) Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing
Office.