ketamine:
What is ketamine?
Intravenous anaesthetic used by vets
- Sometimes sold as 'Ecstasy' or used as an alternative to it
- Commonly called: Special K, Green, K, Super K, and vitamin k
- Found in tablets or white powder form.
- Liquid form which is usually injected
The law
- Class C drug
- Penalties for possession: maximum two years in prison and/or fine
- Penalties for possession with intent to supply: maximum 14 years in prison and/or fine.
History
- Became more common in the UK from the 1990s and in the USA in the 1970s
Effects
- Makes users feel euphoric
- Hallucinatory and 'out of body' experiences
- paralysis, numbness and poor co-ordination can develop
- The user's mood and environment influence the effects
- Effects last for up to an hour
Purity
- Illegally produced tablets are commonly found with ephedrine added which is commonly used for treatment of asthma and allergies.
- Legally produced ketamine will be pure
Risks
- Possibility of death
- Extremely dangerous when mixed with alcohol and other drugs
- Numbs body. Users risk serious injury without feeling pain
- Excessive doses carry some risk of breathing problems and heart failure (particularly if mixed with other drugs)
- Long term effects are unknown.
Information collated by the Drug Strategy Directorate in the Home Office-April 2003.(*donates updated information)
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