 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Ketamine facts
|
Low to moderate doses |
Higher doses |
|
Some of the effects that may be experienced after taking ketamine include:
|
A high dose of ketamine can cause a person to overdose. This means that a person has taken more ketamine than their body can cope with. The risk of overdose increases if the strength or purity of the ketamine is not known. High doses of ketamine can intensify some of the effects experienced at lower doses. People may also experience:
|
Coming down
As the effects of ketamine begin to wear off, a person may experience a range of effects. These effects can last for approximately 24 hours and can include:
|
|
Long-term effects
The long-term effects of ketamine use on health can include:
|
|
Ketamine bladder syndrome
Large, repeated doses of ketamine have been found to cause 'ketamine bladder syndrome', a painful condition that requires on going treatment. Symptoms associated with the syndrome include—difficulty holding urine and incontinence, which can cause ulceration in the bladder. It is essential that any person suffering from ketamine bladder syndrome cease using the drug and see a health professional.
Other effects of ketamine use
Ketamine and social problems
All areas of a person's life can be affected by drug use.
- Disagreements and frustration over drug use can cause family arguments and affect personal relationships.
- Legal and health problems can also add to the strain on personal, financial and work relationships.
Taking ketamine with other drugs
The effects of mixing ketamine with other drugs, including alcohol, prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines, are often unpredictable.
The dissociative effects of ketamine can make a person less aware of the effects of other drugs, such as the depressant effects of alcohol and opiates. Mixing ketamine and depressants can cause nausea, vomiting, decreased breathing rate, coma and death.
Combining ketamine with alcohol can result in a person vomiting, falling asleep or collapsing, which can result in them choking on their own vomit.
Using stimulant drugs such as amphetamines, ecstasy and cocaine with ketamine can further increase the heat rate and place the body under extreme stress.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Read about the effects of taking drugs during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Driving
It is dangerous to drive after using ketamine. The effects of ketamine, such as impaired motor coordination, blurred vision and distorted perception, can affect driving ability.
People with distorted perception may be less aware of reality, which can increase the chances of an accident. The symptoms of coming down and withdrawal can also affect a person’s ability to drive safely.
Read more about the effects of drugs on driving.
Ketamine use in the workplace
Under occupational health and safety legislation, all employees have a responsibility to make sure they look after their own and their co-workers' safety. The effects of ketamine such as distorted perception and impaired motor coordination can affect a person’s ability to work safely and effectively. The symptoms of coming down and withdrawal can also affect a person’s ability to work safely and effectively.
Tolerance and dependence
There is evidence that after frequent and prolonged use, ketamine is addictive. People who use ketamine regularly can develop dependence and tolerance to it, which means they need to take larger amounts of ketamine to get the same effect.
Dependence on ketamine can be psychological, physical, or both. People who are dependent on ketamine find that using the drug becomes far more important than other activities in their life. They crave the drug and find it very difficult to stop using it.
People who are psychologically dependent on ketamine may find they feel an urge to use it when they are in specific surroundings or socialising with friends.
Physical dependence occurs when a person's body adapts to ketamine and gets used to functioning with the ketamine present.
Withdrawal
If a dependent person stops taking ketamine, they may experience withdrawal symptoms because their body has to get used to functioning without it. People may experience withdrawal symptoms for approximately 4–5 days.
Withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced include:
|
|
Getting help
Treatment
In Australia, there are many different types of treatments for drug problems. Some aim to help a person to stop using a drug, while others aim to reduce the risks and harm related to their drug use.
Find out more about treatment.
What to do if you are concerned about someone's amphetamine use
If you are concerned about someone's drug use, there is help available. Contact the alcohol and drug information service in your state or territory.
What to do in a crisis
Always call triple zero (000) if a drug overdose is known or suspected—and remember that paramedics are not obliged to involve the police.
If someone overdoses or has an adverse reaction while using ketamine, it is very important that they receive professional help as soon as possible. A quick response can save their life.
Visit the Better Health Channel to read St John Ambulance’s advice on drug overdose.
Ketamine use in Australia
Statistics
According to the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, in 2010, 1.4% of Australians aged over 14 years had used ketamine at some stage in their life.
For more statistics about the use of ketamine in Australia, visit our Quick statistics page.
Is it legal?
Legally produced ketamine is a restricted substance and only a doctor or vet may prescribe or administer it. All other ketamine is illegal in Australia.
Read more about ketamine and Australian law.
For legal advice specific to your situation contact a legal aid service in your state or territory.
National drug policy
Australia’s national drug policy is based on harm minimisation. Strategies to minimise harm include encouraging people to avoid using a drug through to helping people to reduce the risk of harm if they do use a drug. It aims to reduce all types of drug-related harm to both the individual and the community.
Find free resources on ketamine.
This information has been adapted from the pamphlet How Drugs Affect You: Ketamine, produced by the Australian Drug Foundation. For single copies of this pamphlet, contact DrugInfo. Multiple copies are available from the ADF Bookshop.
Last updated: 23 January 2013
