Special K- Ketamine

What It Is: An anesthetic (tranquilizer) that has been approved for animal use in medical settings since 1970.  The drug is common in club and rave scenes and has been used as a “date rape” drug (because it is odorless and tasteless, which makes it easy to be slipped into a person’s drink, the victim is left unable to protect him or her self). (WARNING: Mixing the drug with alcohol is extremely dangerous because the two drugs cause similar effects).  Slang/street names include Special K, K, Vitamin K, Keyhole, Cat Valiums, etc…

Type of Drug: Central Nervous System Depressant Drug

Method of Use: It comes in liquid form that can be injected, as a white powder that is often snorted, or smoked with marijuana or tobacco products.

What It Does: High doses of ketamine can cause dream-like states and hallucinations.  (WARNING:  the doses that cause the effect are very close to the doses that cause death). These reactions are similar to Phencyclidine, known as PCP or Angel Dust.

Health Risks: Ketamine also causes delirium (a temporary mental disturbance characterized by hallucinations), amnesia (total loss of memory), impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression, and potentially fatal respiratory problems.  

Legal Status: In the United States ketamine is legal for veterinary use only

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