Ketamine
Common Names: Cl-2, PCM, Ket, Special, Kitty
Psychoactive Effects
Positive Effects
- Euphoria
Neutral Effects
- Dissociation
- Out-of-body experiences
- Visual distortions
- Altered time perception
- Reduced pain sensitivity
- Altered body perception
Negative Effects
- Anxiety
- Depression
Dosage Guidelines
| Route | Threshold | Light | Common | Strong | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insufflated | 5-15 mg | 15-30 mg | 30-75 mg | 75-150 mg | 150+ mg |
| Oral | 50-100 mg | 100-200 mg | 200-400 mg | 400-600 mg | 600+ mg |
| Intramuscular | 10-20 mg | 20-40 mg | 40-80 mg | 80-120 mg | 120+ mg |
Note: Ketamine is used medically as an anesthetic and is being studied for treatment-resistant depression. Recreational use can lead to tolerance and dependence.
Duration
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Onset | 1-5 minutes (insufflated) |
| Peak | 15-30 minutes |
| Total | 45-90 minutes |
| After effects | 1-3 hours |
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action: Ketamine is a noncompetitive antagonist at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, specifically binding to the phencyclidine (PCP) site. It also has activity at opioid receptors and may affect serotonin and dopamine systems.
Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver primarily by CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 enzymes. Major metabolites include norketamine and hydroxynorketamine, which may contribute to antidepressant effects.
Half-life: Approximately 2-3 hours, with effects typically lasting 45-90 minutes.
Bioavailability: ~45% when insufflated, ~17% when taken orally, and ~93% when administered intramuscularly.
Risks and Harm Reduction
⚠️ Important: Always practice harm reduction. Start with low doses, test your substances, and ensure a safe set and setting. Never use alone.
Legal Status
Disclaimer: Legal status varies by jurisdiction and may change. This information is for educational purposes only.
References
- • Zanos, P., et al. (2016). NMDAR inhibition-independent antidepressant actions of ketamine metabolites. Nature, 533(7604), 481-486.
- • Krystal, J. H., et al. (2019). Ketamine: A paradigm shift for depression research and treatment. Neuron, 101(5), 774-778.
- • Morgan, C. J., et al. (2012). Ketamine use: a review. Addiction, 107(1), 27-38.
- • Sanacora, G., et al. (2017). A consensus statement on the use of ketamine in the treatment of mood disorders. JAMA Psychiatry, 74(4), 399-405.
- • Information compiled from PsychonautWiki