Ketamine

Ketamine is categorized as a dissociative anesthetic,* meaning it disconnects a person from their surroundings and self. While it has long been used in veterinary medicine, it is now more frequently used on humans. It can be injected, consumed in drinks, snorted or added to joints or cigarettes. Ketamine became a controlled substance in the US in 1999, which means it is illegal if not distributed by a licensed physician or veterinarian.

Short- and long-term effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, numbness, depression, amnesia, hallucinations and potentially fatal respiratory problems.

Ketamine users can also develop cravings for the drug. At high doses, users experience an effect referred to as K-Hole, an “out-of-body” or “near-death” experience.

Due to the detached, dreamlike state it creates in which the user finds it difficult to move, ketamine is another date-rape drug.

Brand Names

• Ketalar
• Ketalar SV
• Ketanest
• Ketanest S
• Ketaset

Street Names

• Cat Valium
• Green
• Jet
• K
• Special K
• Super Acid
• Super C

* dissociative anesthetic: a drug that distorts perception of sight and sound and produces feelings of detachment (dissociation) from the environment and self

Updated: 2025