Ketamine
Ketamine (2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)cyclohexan-1-one)
45-90 minutes (IV), 1-2 hours (oral/nasal)
Seconds (IV), 5-15 minutes (IM/nasal), 20-30 minutes (oral)
dissociative
Synthesized in 1962 by Calvin Stevens at Parke-Davis as a sa…
- ⚡Dissociative detachment from body and environment
- ⚡K-hole at higher doses: complete ego dissolution and immersive inner journey
- ⚡Dream-like floating sensation
- ⚡Analgesia and profound pain relief
- ⚡Reduced emotional reactivity — useful for trauma processing
- ⚡Time distortion
- ⚠️High addiction potential with regular recreational use
- ⚠️Ketamine bladder syndrome from chronic heavy use — can require surgery
- ⚠️Dangerous combined with CNS depressants (alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines)
- ⚠️K-holes can be disorienting and frightening, especially unexpectedly
- ⚠️Cardiovascular effects — increases heart rate and blood pressure
- ⚠️Cognitive impairment with heavy long-term use
No traditional use — ketamine is entirely modern. It became a club drug in the 1980s–90s rave scene. Since 2000 it has emerged as the most clinically advanced psychedelic medicine, with FDA approval as esketamine (Spravato) for treatment-resistant depression in 2019.
The most clinically advanced psychedelic medicine. FDA-approved as esketamine (Spravato) for TRD since 2019. Hundreds of ketamine infusion clinics operate legally across the US. Active research for PTSD, OCD, bipolar depression, suicidal ideation, and chronic pain.
Schedule III in the US — legally available by prescription. FDA-approved as esketamine (Spravato) nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression since 2019. Used in anesthesia worldwide. Schedule 4 in Australia, Class B in UK.