Ketamine dependence.
H R Pal, N Berry, R Kumar, R Ray
Anaesthesia and intensive care June 1, 2002 DOI: 10.1177/0310057x0203000323 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A person with polysubstance abuse |
| Intervention | Ketamine |
| Topics | Ketamine Addiction Esketamine |
| Keywords | Humans Substance-related disorders Anesthetics, dissociative Treatment outcome Risk assessment Follow-up studies Adult Male |
| Key findings | The case demonstrates the effects of large ketamine doses in a person with polysubstance abuse and highlights development of significant tolerance to ketamine without prominent withdrawal symptoms. The authors reiterate caution in ketamine use in light of its abuse liability. |
Abstract
Ketamine hydrochloride is a safe and rapid-acting non-opioid, lipid soluble anaesthetic with a short elimination half-life that is used for medical and veterinary purposes. It produces a state of "dissociative anaesthesia", probably from action on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. The psychotropic effects of ketamine range from dissociation and depersonalization to psychotic experiences and include a sensation of feeling light, body distortion, absence of time sense, novel experiences of cosmic oneness and out-of-body experiences. Abuse of ketamine has been reported, the typical abuser being an individual who uses multiple drugs and has some contact with medical agencies. This case demonstrates the effects of large doses of ketamine in a person with polysubstance abuse. The case also highlights development of significant tolerance to ketamine without prominent withdrawal symptoms. Caution in use of ketamine is reiterated in light of its abuse liability.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on ketamine for addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ketamine Dependence in an Anesthesiologist: An Occupational Hazard? Anesthesiologist from India | 2014 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Qualitative analysis of a patient's experience of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for substance use disorder: Empirical synergies with twelve-step programs 28-year-old female treated for alcohol and opioid use disorder | 2025 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Intravenous ketamine for severe alcohol use disorder at Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, Kenya: a case report A 39-year-old African male with severe alcohol use disorder, comorbid tobacco use... | 2023 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Grayken lessons: a multidisciplinary approach to care for a patient with severe ketamine use disorder. Young woman with severe ketamine use disorder and PTSD | 2026 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Intensive ketamine use for multiple years: A case report Patient with bipolar I disorder and history of substance dependence | 2014 | Case study | n = 1 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 27
- Ketamine and Ketamine Metabolite Pharmacology: Insights into Therapeutic Mechanisms Pharmacological Reviews June 26, 2018
- Ketamine use: a review Addiction July 21, 2011
- Side-effects associated with ketamine use in depression: a systematic review. The Lancet Psychiatry 2018
- Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion Pharmacogenomics of Drugs of Abuse Pharmacogenomics February 1, 2011
- Non-parenteral Ketamine for Depression: A Practical Discussion on Addiction Potential and Recommendations for Judicious Prescribing CNS Drugs February 14, 2022
and 22 more in the library
Cites 3
- Subanesthetic Effects of the Noncompetitive NMDA Antagonist, Ketamine, in Humans Archives of General Psychiatry March 1, 1994
- NMDA receptor function and human cognition: the effects of ketamine in healthy volunteers. Neuropsychopharmacology May 1996
- Illicit use of ketamine in Scotland. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 1996