Ketamine Class: Dissociative anesthetic
Medical Uses:
Surgical anesthesia (especially in emergency settings)
Treatment-resistant depression (in lower doses)
Pain management (off-label)
Street Names: K, Special K, Kit Kat, Vitamin K
Abuse Potential: Can cause hallucinations, sedation, and dissociation; risk of addiction with repeated misuse
Medical Uses: Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic and has been used off-label for treatment-resistant depression. More recently, esketamine (a derivative) was approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation.
Therapeutic Applications:
Common Side Effects:
Serious Risks:
Important Safety Notes: Ketamine should only be used under proper medical supervision. For depression treatment, it's typically administered in clinical settings with monitoring. Self-medication or recreational use carries significant risks.