What is Ketamine?
After it is revealed that Ketamine was found in the blood of famous Superstar of one of all time favourite of millions “FRIENDS”, people are curious to know about Ketamine.
It’s a drug and as other medicines/drugs have their merits and demerits, it also has good properties as medicine but may have serious effects as cause death, if not taken in supervision of physician. We will know about structure of Ketamine and also about it’s usage.
What is Ketamine’s Structure:
Ketamine is a medication with a unique chemical structure, belonging to the class of drugs known as dissociative anaesthetics. Its chemical name is 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino) cyclohexanone. The molecular formula is C13H16ClNO, and its systematic name is (RS)-2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino) cyclohexanone.
The compound consists of a cyclohexanone ring with a phenyl group and a methylamino group attached. The chlorine atom on the phenyl ring contributes to the drug’s pharmacological properties.
Usage of Ketamine:
- Medical Anaesthesia: Ketamine has a long history of use as an anaesthetic in medical settings. Its rapid onset and short duration of action make it suitable for various surgical and diagnostic procedures. It is particularly favored in situations where a quick induction of anaesthesia is required.
- Pain Management: In addition to its anaesthetic properties, ketamine is employed for pain management, especially in cases of chronic pain or as an adjunct to other analgesic medications. Its ability to modulate pain perception makes it a valuable tool in certain medical contexts.
- Treatment of Mental Health Conditions: Recent research has explored the potential therapeutic applications of ketamine in treating mental health conditions. Subanesthetic doses of ketamine have shown promise in rapidly alleviating symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clinicians often administer these doses in a controlled, medical setting.
- Veterinary Medicine: Ketamine’s origins lie in veterinary medicine, where it is still used as an anaesthetic for animals. Its dissociative properties and relatively safe profile make it suitable for a range of veterinary procedures.
- Recreational Use: Unfortunately, ketamine is sometimes misused recreationally for its hallucinogenic effects. In these instances, individuals may seek altered perceptions, hallucinations, and a dissociative state. However, such use is dangerous and can lead to adverse health effects, addiction, and other complications.
It’s crucial to note that the use of ketamine, especially outside of controlled medical settings, can have serious consequences. The drug’s effects can vary widely depending on the dose, and improper use can lead to significant health risks. As with any substance, it is important for individuals to be aware of the potential dangers associated with ketamine and to use it only under the guidance of qualified medical professionals when prescribed for therapeutic purposes due to the potential for side effects, including hallucinations, confusion, and issues with coordination.