Description

Ketamine powder

Ketamine powder is produced commercially in a number of countries, including the United States. Most of the ketamine illegally distributed in the United States is diverted or stolen from legitimate sources, particularly veterinary clinics, or smuggled into the United States from Mexico. Distribution of ketamine typically occurs among friends and acquaintances, most often at raves, nightclubs, and at private parties; street sales of ketamine are rare.

What is ketamine and what is it used for?

Ketamine is an anesthetic medication, which is very small doses can be used to help control pain that has not responded to standard treatment. Ketamine is started on the advice of a specialist managing your care.

How do I take ketamine?

Your pain care consultant will discuss the best way for you to take ketamine. Where possible, ketamine is given as a liquid medicine by mouth. Most patients take ketamine three or four times a day.

Can I take other medicines together with ketamine?

You should take ketamine in addition to your current medications unless told otherwise. Ketamine is started at a low dose and increased gradually to minimize any side effects. Before you take or buy any new medicines, including herbal remedies, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking ketamine and ask for their advice.

Where should I keep my ketamine?

Ketamine should be stored out of the reach of children, in a cool place away from sunlight.

This medicine is only for you, therefore never give it to anyone else, as it may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours. Any unused medication should be returned to the hospital pharmacy for safe disposal.

How long will I need to take ketamine?

This will depend on why you are taking ketamine and how your pain responds to treatment. You can continue to take ketamine for as long as it helps your pain if you are not having any side effects. It may be necessary for your doctor to change the dose during your treatment.

Are there side effects of taking ketamine?

Everyone reacts differently to medication. Some side effects of ketamine are listed below but you may not experience any of these. It is advisable to report any side effects to your doctor.

• Vivid dreams, nightmares, mood swings, hallucinations, or feeling restless. These symptoms can often be helped with the addition of other medications, enabling you to continue using ketamine without experiencing these side effects.
• High blood pressure and fast pulse rate. The doctor will monitor your blood pressure and pulse rate when you start treatment and then as needed.

It is recognized that long term ketamine use may cause memory problems and permanent bladder damage in a small minority of patients.

What do I do if I forget to take a regular dose of ketamine?

You should take a missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your medication as normal. Do not try to ‘double up’ to make up for your missed dose.

How do I get a new prescription of ketamine?

Prescriptions are only issued by consultants employed within the pain service. You may have a trial period with ketamine for a period of four weeks followed by a “washout” period of two weeks without ketamine, in order to assess the effect. Your ketamine liquid can only be supplied by the hospital so you will need to pick it up from the Pharmacy, either at Hull Royal Hospital or Castle Hill Hospital. If you need to arrange a new prescription, you can contact the Pain Clinic on (01482) 624198.

Can I drink alcohol?

Drinking alcohol with ketamine can make you drowsy so it is not advised. Remember alcohol, even in small amounts, whilst taking ketamine could greatly increase the likelihood that your driving will be impaired.

Can I drive it?

There is a new Drug Driving Law that came into force in March 2015. This drug driving law directly affects ketamine. The new law states that it is an offence to drive if you have over the specified limits of certain drugs in your body, whether your driving is impaired or not. You could be committing an offense driving with ketamine in your system unless you are:

1. Taking the medication in accordance with the provided information or advice given by the prescriber.
2. AND your driving is NOT impaired by your medication. The law will then provide you with a “medical defense” and you will not be breaking the law.

If you are taking prescribed medication and it impairs your driving, then you are not fit to drive and will be breaking the law if you do so.

If you are stopped by the police, roadside screening devices will be used to show if you are drug driving. This will involve giving a saliva sample and if your saliva tests are positive, a blood sample may be needed. If you give a positive sample and you are taking your medicine as directed by the prescriber or a healthcare professional and your driving is NOT impaired, then you are NOT breaking the law and you can raise a “medical defense”. Consider keeping some evidence with you to show you have been prescribed the medicines and the dose you take.