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…such as ketamine

David Shewan, Phil Dalgarno, Leslie A. King

BMJ August 17, 1996 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.313.7054.424 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Commentary Peer reviewed
Topics Esketamine Ketamine
Citations 14
Key points Argues that beyond ecstasy's toxic and neurodegenerative effects, further hazards arise from tablets sold as ecstasy that contain other substances, such as ketamine, an anaesthetic that illicit users report induces a profound change in consciousness.

Abstract

EDITOR,—There is increasing concern over the toxic1 and neurodegenerative2 effects of ecstasy, and further research is clearly required. Potential hazards can also, however, arise through use of tablets sold as ecstasy that contain substances other than ecstasy, such as ketamine. Ketamine is an anaesthetic agent with a rapid action that has medical and veterinary applications. Drug users who have taken ketamine illicitly say that it induces a profound change in consciousness, involving a feeling of …