Pharmacological properties of ketamine.
Drug and alcohol review June 1, 1996 J M White, C F Ryan
Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic similar to phencyclidine, produces analgesia, dissociation, hallucinations, and anesthesia while also stimulating cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Uncontrolled use risks psychosis, violence, accidents, and cognitive impairment. Tolerance and physical dependence are possible but require further study. Ketamine primarily acts as an antagonist at the PCP site of the NMDA receptor and enhances catecholamine, especially dopamine, activity. Opioid receptor involvement is weak and unclear. Despite known clinical effects, little is understood about ketamine as a recreational drug or drug of dependence.