This July 25, 2018 photo shows a vial of ketamine, which is normally stored in a locked cabinet, in Chicago. It was launched decades ago as an anesthetic for animals and people, became a potent battlefield pain reliever in Vietnam and morphed into the trippy club drug Special K. Now the chameleon drug ketamine is finding new life as an unapproved treatment for depression and suicidal behavior. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford)
Ketamine was first synthesized in 1962 by Calvin Stevens, a scientist working for the pharmaceutical company Parke-Davis. Stevens was trying to develop a safer and more effective alternative to phencyclidine (PCP), a powerful anesthetic with significant side effects. Ketamine was found to have similar anesthetic properties to PCP, but with fewer side effects.
The cost of ketamine can vary depending on the formulation and the intended use. For example, a single 500 mg vial of ketamine hydrochloride for injection can cost around $20, while a 30 ml bottle of ketamine nasal spray can cost upwards of $300.
PCP had been causing significant problems for patients and doctors, and ketamine was developed in part as a response to these problems. PCP was known for producing intense hallucinations and dissociation from one’s surroundings, which made it difficult for patients to communicate with doctors during medical procedures. Ketamine was developed to provide a similar level of dissociation and pain relief, but with fewer side effects.
Ketamine is classified as a dissociative anesthetic, which means that it produces a state of dissociation, or detachment, from one’s surroundings. This is different from other types of anesthesia, which generally produce unconsciousness. Dissociative anesthesia is sometimes preferred for certain types of procedures, such as those that require the patient to remain awake and able to communicate with the doctor.
The typical dose of ketamine used for anesthesia is between 1-4.5 mg/kg, depending on the patient’s weight and the intended depth of anesthesia.
Ketamine was first used clinically in 1970 and quickly became popular due to its unique properties and effectiveness. The drug was particularly useful in emergency medical settings, as it could be administered quickly and produced rapid pain relief. Ketamine was also found to be effective in treating chronic pain, which made it a valuable tool for pain management specialists.
Ketamine is known for its rapid onset and short duration of action, which makes it an ideal drug for use in emergency situations. The drug can be administered intravenously or intramuscularly and typically produces an effect within a few minutes. The effects of ketamine typically last between 30 minutes and an hour, which allows doctors to perform medical procedures quickly and efficiently.
In addition to its anesthetic properties, ketamine has also been found to have antidepressant effects, and is sometimes used as a treatment for depression and other mood disorders. The drug works by blocking a type of receptor in the brain called the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which is thought to play a role in depression. Ketamine has been found to produce rapid improvements in mood in some patients, although the long-term effects of the drug on depression are still being studied.
Ketamine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States, which means that it has a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I and II drugs like heroin and cocaine. However, ketamine can still be addictive and is sometimes used recreationally. The drug can produce intense hallucinations and dissociation, which can be appealing to some users.
Ketamine’s onset of action is typically within 1-5 minutes when administered intravenously, and within 5-15 minutes when administered intramuscularly.
The drug is also used recreationally, and is sometimes referred to as “Special K” or simply “K” on the street. Recreational use of ketamine can be dangerous, as the drug can cause hallucinations, dissociation, and other side effects. Ketamine is also sometimes used in combination with other substances, which can increase the risk of adverse effects.
Ketamine is commonly used in veterinary medicine as an anesthetic for animals, and is also used in some human medical procedures. The drug is particularly useful in veterinary settings, as it can be administered quickly and produces rapid pain relief. Ketamine is also sometimes used in human medical procedures that require dissociative anesthesia.
The drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine. The metabolism of ketamine can vary depending on a variety of factors, including age, weight, and overall health. In some cases, the drug can be metabolized more slowly, which can result in a longer duration of action and an increased risk of side effects.
Ketamine’s efficacy for treating depression varies widely between patients, with response rates ranging from around 50% to as high as 70-80%.
One of the most well-known side effects of ketamine is its ability to produce intense hallucinations and dissociation. These effects are thought to be caused by the drug’s ability to block the NMDA receptor in the brain, which can lead to alterations in perception and consciousness. These effects can be desirable for some patients, but can also be unsettling or even frightening for others.
Ketamine is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine. Around 90% of the drug is metabolized into a less active form called norketamine, while the remaining 10% is excreted unchanged in the urine.
Ketamine has also been found to have analgesic properties, and is sometimes used as a pain medication. The drug works by blocking pain receptors in the brain, which can provide relief from acute and chronic pain. Ketamine is particularly useful in treating pain associated with conditions like cancer, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain.
Ketamine has a long history of use in the field of anesthesia, and is still used today in many medical settings. The drug is particularly useful in emergency medicine, as it can be administered quickly and produces rapid pain relief. Ketamine is also used in some surgical procedures that require dissociative anesthesia.
Ketamine has been found to have neuroprotective properties, and is sometimes used to treat traumatic brain injuries and other neurological conditions. The drug works by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, which can help to protect neurons and improve cognitive function.
Ketamine is sometimes used in combination with other drugs to produce a “K-hole” experience, which is characterized by intense dissociation and hallucinations. This type of recreational use can be dangerous, as it can lead to loss of consciousness, respiratory depression, and other adverse effects.
The therapeutic dose of ketamine for depression is typically much lower than the dose used for anesthesia, around 0.5 mg/kg when administered intravenously over a 40-minute period.
Ketamine has been found to be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety disorders. The drug works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are thought to be involved in the development of anxiety and fear. Ketamine has been found to produce rapid improvements in symptoms in some patients, although the long-term effects of the drug on anxiety disorders are still being studied.
Ketamine has a relatively low risk of respiratory depression compared to other anesthetics, which makes it a safer option for some patients. However, the drug can still cause respiratory depression in high doses, which can be dangerous. Ketamine should only be administered by trained medical professionals in a controlled setting.
Ketamine has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, and is sometimes used to treat inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The drug works by blocking certain receptors in the immune system that are involved in inflammation. Ketamine has been found to produce rapid improvements in symptoms in some patients, although the long-term effects of the drug on inflammatory conditions are still being studied.
The half-life of ketamine in the body is around 2-3 hours, but can be longer in some patients with liver or kidney dysfunction.
Ketamine is sometimes used in combination with other drugs in the treatment of alcoholism and other substance use disorders. The drug works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are involved in addiction and craving. Ketamine has been found to produce rapid improvements in symptoms in some patients, although the long-term effects of the drug on substance use disorders are still being studied.
Ketamine has been found to have anticonvulsant properties, and is sometimes used to treat seizures and other neurological conditions. The drug works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are involved in the development of seizures. Ketamine has been found to produce rapid improvements in symptoms in some patients, although the long-term effects of the drug on neurological conditions are still being studied.
Ketamine is sometimes used in combination with other drugs in the treatment of mood disorders like bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. The drug works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are thought to be involved in the development of mood disorders.
As research into ketamine’s mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic uses continues, it is clear that this unique drug will remain an important topic of study for years to come. Whether it is used in the operating room or the psychiatrist’s office, ketamine’s effects on the brain and body continue to fascinate and challenge researchers and clinicians alike.
