Ketamine is typically used for anesthetics but can be abused and cause an overdose. The drug’s effects include sedation and a reduced sense of pain but it can also have a hallucinogenic effect. A ketamine overdose can cause damage to the mental and physical function of a person, so if you see someone going through an overdose right now, you need to call an ambulance.
Emergency medical care gives the best chance of a person surviving an overdose and not experiencing permanent damage to their body or brain. If you don’t need emergency care or you are waiting for an ambulance, you can read on to learn more about ketamine.
The symptoms of a ketamine overdose
When taken outside of a doctor’s instruction, ketamine can be very dangerous, mostly because of how it impairs alertness. In high doses, the effects of the drug can cause death. A ketamine overdose will often include some of the following symptoms:
- Rigid muscles
- Inability to move
- Increased heartbeat
- Convulsions
- High blood pressure
- Unconsciousness
If you see someone experiencing any of these symptoms, call an ambulance.
How is ketamine abused?
Ketamine can make someone feel detached from reality, ease physical pain and induce hallucinations. In some cases, people have reported a near-death-like experience. It can also cause memory loss while under the effects of the drug.
Because of these effects and that this drug is a sedative, it has been used as a date rape drug. It is odourless and tasteless which makes it impossible to detect when it has been placed in a beverage.
When swallowed like this, it can take up to thirty minutes for the effects of the drug to take place. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of ketamine without your knowledge, try to find help as quickly as you can and call the police.
Help for ketamine addiction can be found
Ketamine is a drug that causes dependency and addiction. Over time, a higher dose is needed to be taken to gain the same high which can very quickly lead to a dangerous overdose.
If you or someone you know is struggling with ketamine or any other drug, contact Get Help today and one of our friendly addiction counsellors will provide you with the next step that you can take.
