Ketamine (Street Names: Special K, Ket, Super Acid, Kit Kat)
Several years ago we published an article on Ketamine. I recently saw it mentioned in a popular television program and I thought it may be worthy of refresher. Ketamine was developed in the 60’s as an anesthetic for use with both humans and animals. It was placed on the list of controlled substances in the US in 1999. According to the Foundation for a Drug Free World, Ketamine is categorized as a “dissociative anesthetic,” a drug that distorts perception of sight and sound and produces feelings of detachment (dissociation) from the environment and self. For this reason, it is often referred to as a rape drug because persons under its influence have amnesia for events or are unable to defend themselves from sexual assault. It can be dehydrated to a powder form so that it can be snorted. Ketamine has also been popular at raves and parties and similar to PCP, provides emotional states from intense euphoria to comatose dissociation. Ketamine is usually odorless and tasteless. Its effects usually last 4-6 hours, but do not completely wear off for 24-48 hours. Other risks include depression, cognitive impairment and death.