A New Luxury Drug Abuse: Ketamine

Ketamine, a central nervous system depressant-stimulator used as an injectable anesthetic. The drug was produced in 1963 as a substitute for phencyclidine and works through its effect on the N-methyl-d-asparate (NMDA) receptor. In recent years, other uses have emerged, including pain management and treatment of asthma and resistant depression. In this study, several articles were reviewed through valid databases with related keywords. However, the therapeutic value of ketamine is facing a major challenge due to its being hallucinating orally in the form of pills, smoking (nose), smoking tobacco and marijuana or mixing it with drinks and drinking it. Ketamine creates a strong sense of isolation from the surrounding world known as the K-hole. It is usually consumed by young people at night parties, and the consumer may be floating, experiencing withdrawal, weightlessness and hallucinations. Short-term side effects of ketamine include hallucinations, confusion, dizziness, increased heart rate and blood pressure, unrealistic sense of surroundings, visual and auditory errors, memory impairment and high doses of ketamine can cause cardiac arrest and death. In addition to drug dependence and other psychological complications, chronic ketamine consumption can lead to tooth decay and nasal mucosa and serious bladder and urinary tract injuries. The purpose of this review article is to warn of the prevalence of ketamine abuse, especially in young people, and the need for awareness of the side effects of this drug. Future research can help develop innovative ways to explore potential mechanisms and treatments for ketamine abuse and addiction that cause severe personal and social harm.

Keywords:

Addiction , Ketamine abuse , Side effects