Ketamine facts
How it affects you
- It can make you feel disoriented, with a sense of numbness and a lack of co-ordination.
- Low doses can bring on a sense of euphoria and mild hallucinations.
- 'K'-holing, which is the sensation of travelling outside the body towards a tunnel of light.
- Effects should not last for more than 3 hours.
Other names
'K', special 'k', kettle, Kit Kat.
Is it legal?
- Class C.
- Possession carries a maximum sentence of 2 years’ imprisonment and/or fine.
- Trafficking carries a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment and a fine.
The risks, signs and symptoms
- It is an anaesthetic, so you may injure yourself without realising until the effects of Ketamine have worn off.
- There’s a risk of mental health problems from the drug’s disorientating experiences.
- It can cause nausea, headaches, loss of bowel control and even temporary paralysis.
- If you drink alcohol or take other depressants with Ketamine, you increase the risk of heart failure, unconsciousness, vomiting and choking.
- There is a risk of serious bladder problems developing.
- If you inject Ketamine, this carries the usual risks of infection associated with intravenous use.
How you can reduce the risks
- The only way to fully reduce the risks from Ketamine is to not take it.
- Avoid mixing Ketamine with alcohol or other substances.