Ketamine
Introduction To Ketamine
Ketamine is a general anesthetic. It is used in major surgical procedures. It allows the procedures to be carried out without pain and distress. This injection is used in a hospital setting only.
Ketamine causes loss of consciousness which is reversible. It is administered by a doctor or a nurse in a hospital or clinal setting. You should not self-administer this medicine at home.
The most common side effects include rash, nausea, or vomiting. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are suffering from severe heart disease or had a stroke recently or suffered serious head or brain injury. It is safe to use in breastfeeding mothers.
Also, inform your doctor if you are on any medications or have any known allergy to this injection before the start of the procedure. Driving should not be done as Ketamine may cause sleepiness and may impair your ability to think or react. It is also advised not to operate machinery because of these effects.
Uses of Ketamine
- General Anaesthesia
Benefits of Ketamine
General Anaesthesia
Ketamine is a general anesthetic. It is used to induce a reversible loss of
sensation and consciousness during major surgeries in a hospital setting by a
specialised doctor known as an anaesthetist. It is generally very safe, works
quite quickly and will allow carrying out of the procedure without causing
pain and distress.
Side effects of Ketamine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Ketafast
- Rash
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Agitation
- Nightmares
- Abnormal behavior
- Double vision
- Hallucination
- Increased respiratory rate
- High blood pressure
- Confusion
- Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
- Muscle coordination impaired
- Tonic-clonic seizures
- Tachycardia
How to use Ketamine
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Ketamine works
Ketamine is a general anaesthetic. It works by causing reversible loss of consciousness. This allows surgical procedures to be carried out without pain and distress.
Quick tips
- Ketamine is given as an injection into veins or muscles under the supervision of o doctor only.
- It is suggested not to eat or drink anything up to six hours before the treatment.
- Your doctor will monitor you regularly for blood pressure, pulse rate and heartbeat during the treatment.
- It makes you feel sleepy. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how Ketamine affects you.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Ketamine if I’m pregnant?
Information regarding the use of Ketamine during pregnancy is not available. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Ketamine if I’m breastfeeding?
Ketamine is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
AlcoholCAUTION
Is drinking alcohol while taking Ketamine safe?
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Ketamine. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Ketamine?
Ketamine may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Ketamine if I have/had kidney diseases?
Ketamine is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Ketamine is recommended. However, talk to your doctor if you have any underlying kidney disease.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Ketamine if I have/had liver diseases?
Ketamine should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Ketamine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Ketamine addictive?
Ketamine addiction can occur if the drug is taken multiple times and may develop either a mental or physical dependence on the drug effects
Q. Is Ketamine an opiate/ narcotic/ stimulant/ controlled substance/ barbiturate?
No. Ketamine is a general anaesthetic and a controlled substance. It is not an opiate, barbiturate narcotic or stimulant
Q. Is Ketamine safe?
Ketamine is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor
Q. Is Ketamine dangerous?
Ketamine is dangerous if taken at high doses
Q. Does Ketamine make you lose weight?
Yes. Ketamine can cause loss of appetite and weight loss.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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