Ketamine side effects can be due to an overdose of this anesthetic drug. In the following article, we will be discussing the effects on humans and what can be taken in order to prevent the side effects on the human body and brain…
Anesthetic drugs are used to make a person unconscious or go into a deep sleep during surgery. In medical terms, this is known as using anesthesia to temporarily block out any pain or sensation throughout the surgery. There are many kinds of anesthetic drugs that are used. However, ketamine is one such drug that is used for both as a means of inducing anesthesia and also as an analgesic drug to provide relief from pain of any kind, either in humans or animals. Some individuals may also use it as a drug for recreational purposes. However, this kind of usage is banned since it is unlawful. Apart from being used in anesthesia, ketamine also has several other medicinal uses.
Uses
Ketamine is available as a prescription drug in liquid as well as powder form. As seen earlier, it is also used as a pain reliever. This drug is mostly administered intravenously for an immediate relief from pain and discomfort, especially seen in cancer and disorders of the nervous system. Ketamine for depression is also an effective way to treat this disorder, as it is known to calm the nerves and provide a calming effect. Other conditions that are effectively treated with the help of ketamine are bronchitis, asthma, bronchospasms (where the muscles of the respiratory tract constrict in an abnormal manner, causing a hindrance to breathing) and anaphylaxis.
Side Effects
Ketamine is one such drug that can make people easily addicted to it. Though there are a number of advantages of using it in the form of a pain killer as well as to provide relief from various ailments, there are also a few side effects. These negative effects on the brain and physical health of an individual may cause harm to the overall functioning of the body. Listed below are a few ill effects of ketamine on the body as well as the brain.
- Ketamine belongs to the family of hallucinogens, which can affect the brain in an abnormal manner. An overuse of this analgesic drug can cause hallucinations in the person using it. The individual may also suffer from intense mood swings, may become irritable even on slight provocation and get depressed easily.
- Ketamine may consist of some toxins, which can have adverse effects on the human body system, especially the heart, liver and kidneys. The toxins get accumulated in the vital organs and slowly deteriorate their functioning which can lead to the total collapse of the organ.
- Prolonged use of this analgesic drug can lead to the impairment of the brain’s physiology and destroy the nerve cells. This can affect the memory of an individual, motor coordination is lost, etc. The person may also feel disconnected with his surroundings.
- The individual using ketamine for a long time may become a victim of drug addiction and also become highly dependent on the drug. This can affect the entire body, which can be life-threatening and in some cases may even prove fatal.
- Other ketamine side effects may include abnormally high blood pressure, amnesia, delirium and respiratory problems which can be potentially fatal.
In order to avoid the long term effects of ketamine on the physical and psychological health, it is necessary to consult a health care provider regarding the dosage of any drug or medication. There are many drug rehab centers that help the person come out of his addiction and lead a normal life again. Stay healthy!