The recent surge in the use of Ketamine, a drug primarily known and used as an anaesthetic has sparked global debates. Amidst rising curiosity about its effects and safety concerns, it becomes pertinent to explore the facts, the effects, and the safety precautions affiliated with Ketamine.
About Ketamine
Ketamine is primarily recognised as a dissociative anaesthetic. The term dissociative refers to inducing a state of detachment from the body and the outside world. It allows doctors to induce general anesthesia, a sleep-like state that doesn’t necessitate muscle relaxation.
Invented initially in the 1960s as an animal anesthetic, Ketamine gradually garnered approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human application. In recent times, the medical field has been employing Ketamine in the treatment of depression and multiple other mental health disorders.
While it holds a significant place in the medical field, the recreational use of Ketamine has also been observed. People commonly snort, inject or smoke it for recreational purposes. For treating mental illnesses, the drug is administered via intravenous (IV), nasal spray, or tablet form.
Effects of Ketamine
The primary working principle of Ketamine lies in its ability to block the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain. This receptor plays crucial roles in transmitting pain signals and regulating mood swings.
By successfully blocking the NMDA receptor, Ketamine induces analgesia, a state of pain relief, and euphoria, a sense of immense well-being and happiness. The drug can also be responsible for conjuring pleasant visualizations and generating a strong feeling of detachment from reality.
Moreover, similar to drugs like Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and Phencyclidine (better known as angel dust), Ketamine is capable of producing hallucinations. Hallucinations are characterised by distorted perceptions of sounds and sights, often resulting in a surreal experience for the user.
Concerns Regarding The Safety of Ketamine Consumption
Although some medical professionals deem Ketamine safe for medicinal use, there have been reports suggesting potential risks like addiction and cognitive impairment when consumed in high doses. As such, its usage is surrounded by several safety concerns.
However, it’s important to note that the understanding of Ketamine’s long term safety implications is not yet fully comprehensive, courtesy of the limited research dedicated to this particular area. Thus, it underlines the need for extensive research and discussion on the prolonged safety measures associated with the consumption of this drug.