There is a growing concern that ketamine overdose deaths will increase in the coming years if clinics and online services aren’t careful in following all medical protocols. While ketamine overdose deaths have remained relatively low, the substance is picking up more interest.
During 2019-2023, the percentage of overdose deaths with ketamine detected in toxicology reports increased from 0.3% to 0.5%. Nearly 82% of these deaths involved other substances as well, such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. However, because ketamine is still used by doctors for its therapeutic benefits, there is a demand for it on the black market.
As we know from Matthew Perry’s death in October 2023, ketamine overdose is a very real possibility when using the substance without a doctor’s supervision. At Wolf Creek Recovery, we believe that education is a powerful tool for saving lives, and recognizing the early signs of a ketamine overdose can be the difference between life and death.
Let’s learn more about what is involved in a ketamine overdose, the signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for, and the best ways to respond to this medical emergency.
Ketamine Overdose
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used in controlled doses for anesthesia and mental health treatment. It works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, which are involved in learning, memory, and mood regulation. This is what produces ketamine’s effects, which include pain relief, sedation, and a trance-like state. However, it is possible to take too much ketamine, resulting in serious physical and psychological effects.
What Is a Ketamine Overdose?
A ketamine overdose happens when a person takes more ketamine than the body can safely process. As a result, the substance builds up in the body and affects its systems, leading to serious complications like breathing difficulties and hallucinations. Since people who are experiencing a ketamine overdose often don’t realize it, it’s important for others to be informed on the signs of a possible overdose and how to respond.
Early Warning Signs of a Potential Ketamine Overdose
Taking ketamine outside of a controlled dose can quickly turn dangerous. Acting fast at the first sign of trouble can prevent serious consequences or death. Let’s cover the signs and symptoms of a potential ketamine overdose, and the dangers to have on your radar.
Signs and Symptoms Someone Has Taken Too Much Ketamine
Having too much ketamine in the body can lead to intense mental and psychological symptoms such as confusion or disorientation, hallucinations, dissociation, psychosis or delirium, and loss of consciousness. Some people report out-of-body experiences or become completely unaware of their surroundings. They may also appear awake but “locked in.”
Physical symptoms can also occur, including slurred speech, loss of coordination, limpness, nausea and vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. In rare cases, seizures can occur, particularly when ketamine is mixed with other substances. There is also a risk of slow or shallow breathing, which can indicate respiratory depression.
The Biggest Concerns
With prompt medical intervention, it is possible to effectively treat a ketamine overdose and reduce further harm. However, there are serious complications that can lead to death if they aren’t addressed. One of the main concerns with ketamine overdose is respiratory depression. In high doses, ketamine can suppress the central nervous system, leading to slow breathing that can stop altogether, especially when mixed with other depressants like alcohol or opioids. Pay attention to blue or pale skin around the lips or fingertips.
Additional risks include choking on vomit, unintentional falls or accidents, cardiovascular stress, and extreme mental distress that may include hallucinations, panic attacks, or psychosis. Because a person experiencing a ketamine overdose is often in a state of confusion or delirium, they don’t know how to seek help for themselves. Using this substance recreationally and alone can be extremely dangerous.
What Happens if You Suspect an Overdose?
If you believe that someone has taken too much ketamine, call 911 right away. Turn the person on their side (recovery position) to prevent choking. Stay with them until help arrives. When first responders get to your location, give them as much information as possible so that the person can be effectively supported.
Since ketamine is not an opioid, naloxone does not work on it. That being said, it should still be administered, as ketamine is commonly mixed with opioids like fentanyl. If the person did take opioids, the naloxone can help reverse the effects and decrease further complications. But, it’s important to know that there is no antidote for ketamine specifically. Rather, treatment includes airway and breathing support, cardiovascular monitoring, IV fluids, and managing psychological effects.
Who Is Most at Risk of Experiencing an Overdose?
Anyone misusing ketamine can potentially overdose, though there are certain people who are at a higher risk based on how they are using the substance. People who take high doses of ketamine for a “trip” or “K-hole” can easily overdose. Plus, street ketamine is typically unregulated, so most people have no clue the strength and purity of what they are taking.
Mixing ketamine with other substances is another major risk factor. Alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines all slow the central nervous system, so taking them in combination with ketamine can enhance the effects, leading to respiratory depression, unconsciousness, or fatal overdose.
Additional risk factors include frequent or heavy use of ketamine, having underlying medical problems, and using ketamine for self-medication reasons. Even though ketamine is gaining more traction for the treatment of mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, this should only be done in a clinical setting where the dose is controlled and monitored.
Risk Factors for Ketamine Overdose
Overdose can happen to anyone, but these factors make it more likely to occur:
- High or repeated doses that build tolerance and overwhelm the system
- Mixing with alcohol, opioids, or benzos, leading to sedation and respiratory depression
- Using illicit or street ketamine with unpredictable potency and contamination
- Underlying mental health problems that increase self-medication
- Heart, liver, or kidney problems that lead to slower clearance and more side effects
- Using in an unsafe environment, delaying medical help and increasing injury risk
- Teen or young adult use where poly-substance use is more common
What Are the Most Effective Treatment Options for Ketamine Use Disorder in Prescott, Arizona?
While ketamine does have recognized uses in a clinical setting, it does carry the risk of misuse, tolerance, and dependence. If you or a loved one is experiencing ketamine dependence, it is possible to recover with the right combination of support, therapy, and long-term care. Ketamine withdrawal tends to be more psychological than physical, though supervised detox is often recommended to monitor mental health symptoms and prevent complications.
Therapy addresses the psychological side of ketamine misuse and can also help with memory, cognition, and emotional regulation. Since ketamine is often linked to underlying mental health problems, dual diagnosis care is a common approach to ketamine addiction treatment. Connection is also powerful, so part of your treatment plan may involve group therapy, a 12-step program, family counseling, and ongoing support.
At Wolf Creek Recovery, we understand that substance use doesn’t define you. It’s something that you can overcome with the right care and support. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step of the recovery journey with evidence-based treatment, personalized care plans, and a commitment to long-term recovery. We even have an outdoor therapy program that gets you outdoors and having fun. Whether you’re experiencing a dependence on ketamine or something else, we offer a safe space to reclaim your life. Recovery starts here—contact us today at 833-732-8202 to learn more. Build a life you love.
FAQs About Ketamine Overdose
What is a ketamine overdose?
A ketamine overdose is when someone takes too much ketamine, overwhelming their system and leading to serious physical and psychological complications.
Is there a way to reverse a ketamine overdose?
There is no specific antidote to treat a ketamine overdose. Instead, medical staff provide supportive care like IV fluids, airway support, and monitoring.
Does naloxone work on ketamine?
Naloxone is a life-saving medication for opioids, but ketamine is not an opioid. Therefore, naloxone is ineffective against it. However, it’s still recommended to administer naloxone if you suspect an overdose, as street ketamine may be mixed with an opioid.
Can you die from a ketamine overdose?
Yes, ketamine overdose can be fatal. It can affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, as well as lead to severe confusion, hallucinations, and paranoia that result in potentially life-threatening injuries.
