When describing ketamine, a lot of people say that it’s similar to nitrous oxide in that it causes people to feel disconnected from their environment. However, it’s these very effects that can lead to a loss of consciousness and dangerously slowed breathing.
Ketamine is a potent anesthetic that can cause cognitive impairment, liver stress, dependence, and possible psychosis, especially when used recreationally. It’s also commonly mixed with other substances, which significantly increases the risk of serious side effects and overdose. During July 2019 and June 2023, 82% of deaths with ketamine detected also involved other substances, such as fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
Since ketamine can be used safely for pain or treatment-resistant depression, some people believe that it’s safer than other substances. However, any time you use a medication or substance outside of the recommended guidelines, it can be just as dangerous as an illicit substance. At our addiction recovery center in Arizona, Wolf Creek Recovery is seeing an increase in ketamine use, and we want people to be informed on the potential dangers. Let’s learn more about ketamine side effects and the importance of seeking support.
Side Effects of Ketamine
Approved in 1970 for use in operating rooms and emergency medicine, ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that provides pain relief and sedation. At high doses, it can cause profound dissociation (the feeling of being detached from oneself or reality). While ketamine can be used safely, it also requires monitoring from a licensed provider and ongoing follow-ups. When ketamine is used outside of supervised use, it can lead to a wide range of side effects, which can compromise physical and psychological health.
Ketamine Side Effects
Ketamine has a wide range of side effects—some serious and some not. Not everyone will experience these effects, but there is the potential for them. Keep in mind that even though ketamine is designed to work on certain parts of the body, it can affect other systems as well, such as the urinary tract or gastrointestinal system. Let’s look closer at the short- and long-term effects of ketamine.
Short-Term Effects of Using Ketamine
Shortly after using ketamine, it’s possible to experience various psychological and cognitive effects, such as dissociation, hallucinations, distorted perception of time and space, confusion, euphoria, and agitation. Generally speaking, the more ketamine you take, the more pronounced the side effects are.
Physical effects can also occur when taking ketamine, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, nausea, slurred speech, loss of coordination, and drowsiness or sedation. Some people also experience blurred vision, numbness or tingling, and muscle stiffness. These effects typically begin within minutes of taking ketamine, peak around 30-60 minutes, and then taper off within an hour or two.
Long-Term Health Effects of Ketamine Use
Long-term use of ketamine, especially in high doses, can lead to serious health consequences that affect the brain, liver, and bladder. In terms of the brain, memory loss, depression, mood swings, tolerance, and psychological dependence can all occur. If you do become dependent on ketamine, you may also experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to quit, such as cravings, low mood, fatigue, and irritability.
Ketamine bladder syndrome is another complication that can happen over time. It includes painful urination, blood in the urine, incontinence, urgency and frequency, and inflammation. In some cases, permanent bladder damage can occur. The liver and kidneys can also suffer damage from being under constant stress. Social and behavioral effects are also common and include social withdrawal, a decline in work or academic performance, financial issues, and risky behavior.
What to Expect: Ketamine’s Effects on the Body and Mind
Intense effects can occur on the mind and body when taking ketamine. Some of these effects are therapeutic, such as creating new synapses for those with depression or reducing pain in individuals with cancer. But, there are other effects that can be dangerous, especially when ketamine is taken in high doses.
Physiological Side Effects of Ketamine Misuse
Ketamine misuse can impact multiple body systems and may become more severe with chronic or high-dose use. Because it impacts the central nervous system (CNS), people who use ketamine may have disrupted motor coordination, tremors, sedation, and slurred speech. The respiratory system also slows down, leading to shallow breathing and respiratory arrest. Severe cardiovascular effects are also a possibility, resulting in increased heart rate, blood pressure, and arrhythmias.
Psychological Side Effects of Ketamine Misuse
The psychological impact of ketamine can be profound, affecting mood, cognition, perception, and overall mental health. These symptoms can worsen over time with continued use and persist even when you quit. Common psychological challenges include memory impairment, disorientation, emotional numbness, depersonalization, and flashbacks. Some people even experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially during withdrawal or emotional crashes. Psychological symptoms tend to be the last to fade as well.
How the Method of Ingestion Impacts Ketamine’s Effects
How a substance enters the body has a major impact on how quickly it takes effect, how intense the effects are, and how long they last. When you take ketamine intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM), the effects begin quickly, usually within seconds to minutes. They last about an hour to an hour-and-a-half before tapering off. If ketamine is not administered properly in these situations, various risks can occur such as infection, tissue damage, and overdose.
Snorting ketamine has an onset of 5-15 minutes, with peak effects occurring within 15-30 minutes. Even though taking ketamine intranasally is not as potent as IV or IM methods, it’s still extremely strong and can cause damage to the nasal tissues and sinuses. Smoking ketamine is also fast-acting, with effects starting almost instantly and peaking around 5-10 minutes. Side effects from snorting or smoking ketamine last about an hour or two.
Taking ketamine orally has the longest onset at 20-30 minutes, and also the longest duration at 2-4 hours. The effects are milder and more prolonged, but this doesn’t make oral ketamine any less risky. In fact, some people may take more because the effects are slower, putting them at risk for overdose.
Get Help for Ketamine Use Disorder in Prescott, Arizona
If you or someone you know is having a hard time stopping the use of ketamine, recovery is possible and within reach. Ketamine rehab involves a combination of medical care, therapeutic support, and ongoing recovery planning to address the physical and psychological aspects of ketamine use. While ketamine doesn’t typically cause life-threatening withdrawal, it can still be distressing and require medical supervision, especially if you’re dealing with intense cravings, depression or anxiety, and confusion.
Some clients begin care through residential treatment Prescott, Arizona, where they receive around-the-clock supervision and structure. Others may step down to an intensive outpatient program Arizona, where they continue therapy while rebuilding their daily routines.
Behavioral therapies are another piece to the treatment puzzle, as they help individuals understand the reasons why they are using ketamine. With this insight, you can develop healthier coping skills, build motivation for change, and reshape negative thought patterns. Because people who misuse ketamine often have underlying mental health problems, dual diagnosis treatment may also be essential. This type of care addresses both the substance use and the mental health disorder. Additionally, healthy lifestyle changes, peer support, and 12-step programs can be helpful in maintaining sobriety.
Here at Wolf Creek Recovery, we believe that healing goes beyond the walls of our treatment center. Our programs are designed to not just help individuals overcome their substance use and manage their mental health disorders, but also rebuild lives. Our outdoor therapy program is a powerful part of the recovery journey, giving clients the chance to reconnect with nature, build confidence, and experience growth through real-life challenges and adventures. To start your path to healing, contact us today at 833-732-8202. Build a life you love.
FAQs About the Side Effects of Ketamine
What are the most common side effects of ketamine?
The most common side effects that can occur after taking ketamine are high blood pressure, chest pain, dizziness, hallucinations, trouble breathing, loss of contact with reality, nausea, and vomiting.
Can ketamine cause dangerous effects?
Yes, ketamine can cause serious effects such as paralysis, respiratory depression, and cardiovascular instability. People are also more at risk for accidents and injuries because they are sedated. Ketamine overdose can also be fatal.
Are there long-term problems that can happen from taking ketamine?
Ketamine can cause a number of long-term problems like liver injury, kidney failure, malnutrition, and ketamine bladder syndrome, a condition that causes a small, painful bladder.
