Student Health Services - The University of Iowa

Substance Abuse

Ketamine

Slang for ketamine: Special K, Ket, Vitamin K, K, Cat Valium, Kelly's Day, Green, Purple, Special la Coke and Super acid

Slang for ketamine experiences: K-hole, K-land, baby food, God

Definition: Ketamine is an anaesthetic commonly used in veterinary medicine

Effects include:

  • loss of motor control
  • temporary memory loss
  • numbness
  • drowsiness
  • nausea
  • disassociation from body
  • blocks normal thinking, memory recall and sensory input causing the brain to create hallucinations
  • inability to feel pain

Effects of overdose include: unconsciousness, can depress circulatory and respiratory systems resulting in oxygen depletion to the brain; especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol or other depressants

Duration:
onset: 5-20 minutes (depending on route of administration);
peaks between 20 minutes to an hour and fades over 2-3 hours

Administration: oral, intramuscular, IV, can be used as a predatory drug.

Page updated: 3/27/08