What is ketamine?
General information only. This article explains the basics and is not medical advice. For anything about your own health, talk to a doctor or other qualified professional.
Quick answer
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used in hospitals and veterinary medicine. A related drug, esketamine, is approved in some countries for treatment-resistant depression under medical supervision. In the US it’s a Schedule III controlled substance.
Ketamine was first made in 1962 and approved for medical use in the US in 1970. It became widely used on battlefields and in emergency medicine because it relieves pain and causes anesthesia without slowing breathing as much as many other anesthetics. The World Health Organization lists it as an essential medicine.
Medical uses
| Use | Setting |
|---|---|
| Anesthesia | Surgery and procedures, especially in emergency and low-resource settings |
| Pain relief | Some hospital pain management under medical care |
| Veterinary medicine | Anesthesia for animals |
| Depression | Esketamine nasal spray (Spravato), approved in the US in 2019, given only in certified clinics under supervision |
Research into ketamine for depression and other mental health conditions is ongoing.
Legal status
- United States: Schedule III controlled substance; legal only with a prescription and medical supervision.
- United Kingdom: Class B drug.
- Most countries control it tightly because of its potential for misuse.
Health risks
Ketamine is also used recreationally, where it carries serious risks:
- Confusion, loss of coordination and being unable to move or respond, which increases the risk of accidents and harm
- Dangerous effects when mixed with alcohol or other drugs
- Bladder damage with regular use, which can be severe and long-lasting
- Dependence, memory problems and mental health effects
Unregulated products may also contain other substances.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, or you’re worried about someone’s health after taking ketamine, contact a doctor, a local drug support service, or emergency services in an emergency. In the UK, Talk to Frank offers confidential advice. Knowing the warning signs of a medical emergency helps too; read what sepsis is.
Sources
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