The Truth About Ketamine: What You Should Know

The 2023 death of celebrity Matthew Perry placed a spotlight on the dangers of ketamine, as it was determined to be the cause of his death.

Perry suffered from opioid use disorder and turned to ketamine as an alternative treatment. While promising studies show that ketamine may be effective for some behavioral health conditions, substance use disorders, and chronic pain conditions, it is not risk-free.

Originally developed in the 1960s as a general anesthetic, ketamine has become a widely used medical tool for pain management and surgical sedation. More recently, researchers have explored its potential as a treatment for severe depression and mood disorders. However, along with the medical benefits, ketamine’s rising popularity as a recreational drug raises concerns about misuse and potential health risks.

The Utah State University Extension Health Extension: Advocacy, Research and Teaching — or HEART — initiative recently published a fact sheet to increase public understanding about the drug.

Aaron Hunt, health and wellness Extension specialist and one of four report authors, said though ketamine is not an opioid, it still has risks.

“Recreational ketamine use can lead to significant health dangers, including psychological dependency, cognitive impairment, and long-term bladder and urinary issues,” Hunt said. “Users often develop a quick tolerance, increasing the necessity of higher dosages and dangerous consequences.”

The publication outlines common uses of ketamine.

Medical Uses and Emerging Research

Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic commonly used in medical settings to assist with surgeries and pain relief. It is particularly valuable for its rapid-acting effects in emergency and surgical procedures.

In recent years, researchers have studied ketamine’s effectiveness in treating severe depression, treatment-resistant mood disorders and chronic pain.

Low doses of ketamine have demonstrated promising antidepressant and anti-suicidal properties, offering hope for individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments. However, it is essential for safety to find a qualified health care provider to oversee treatment.

Recreational Use and Associated Risks

Beyond its medical applications, ketamine is also used recreationally for its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects. It is often found in liquid or powder form and may be ingested, injected, inhaled or mixed into drinks. At lower doses, users experience euphoria and a dream-like state, but higher doses can result in confusion, immobility or extreme detachment — sometimes referred to as “k-hole.”

Overdose and Safety Precautions

Since ketamine is not an opioid, overdoses cannot be reversed by Narcan (naloxone). Overdose can occur even in small amounts, particularly when combined with other substances.

Symptoms of overdose include severe confusion, unconsciousness, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, vomiting and convulsions. In severe cases, overdose can be fatal. Individuals who suspect someone is overdosing should call emergency services immediately and place the individual in a position to maintain an open airway.

Harm Reduction Strategies

To reduce the risks associated with ketamine use, experts recommend:

• Use ketamine only under medical supervision and avoid long-term use.
• Recognize signs of overdose and seek help immediately.
• Avoid ketamine when alone or in unfamiliar environments.
• Properly store ketamine to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Never mix ketamine with other substances, including alcohol.

If you are considering using ketamine as a health treatment option, be sure to find a qualified medical provider or clinic to oversee your treatment. Do not use ketamine recreationally or try to do self-treatment, because this could lead to overdose and death.

For more information and resources on ketamine, refer to the USU Extension publication, Ketamine.

Additional fact sheet authors include Gabriela Murza, Jenna Hawks and Alyssa Ferrin.