How Long Does Ketamine Last? Ketamine Effects and Applications

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that can cause people to feel separated or detached from their bodies or the world around them. Though it has medical uses, ketamine may be used illegally to get high or produce hallucinogenic effects.

The euphoria caused by ketamine can last 30-60 minutes, and the body eliminates the drug in about 10-12.5 hours.[1] However, some of the effects can last longer, including hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), a condition that causes lasting hallucinations or perceptual distortions after drug use.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a Schedule III dissociative anesthetic that has some hallucinogenic properties. At lower doses, ketamine is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and pain relief, but not specifically for anxiety. It may be used as part of a treatment protocol for chronic pain in conjunction with nonsteroidal pain medications or opioid pain medications.[2]

Though ketamine was developed as a veterinary anesthetic in 1962, it was later approved by the FDA for human use in 1970. It was used as a battlefield anesthetic during the Vietnam War and in healthcare settings. As an NMDA receptor antagonist, ketamine blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate neurotransmitter in the brain to produce anti-depressant effects.[3]

Aside from medical uses, ketamine has been used illicitly for its dissociative properties. It’s a common drug for parties, raves, or festivals. It’s available in liquid and powder forms, which can be mixed into drinks, snorted, or smoked.

Effects of Ketamine

People may abuse ketamine to feel detached from reality. It distorts the senses and perception, making people feel disconnected from the world and not in control of their bodies. Some of the street names for the drug or the experience are based on these effects, such as “K-land,” “K-hole,” and “baby food.”

Because of its use as an anesthetic, it’s common for people to lose memory of what they’ve done under the influence. Ketamine has also been used as a date rape drug.

How Long Does Ketamine Stay in the System?

Ketamine is metabolized into norketamine, a metabolite. Both ketamine and norketamine can stay in the body for up to 11 days, but they vary by factors like age, body mass, metabolism, dosage, and route of administration.[4]

About 90% of ketamine is excreted in the urine in the form of its metabolites.[5] The drug’s half-life, or the time it takes for the concentration of the drug in the body to be reduced by 50%, is about 2.5 hours.[6] It takes about four to five half-lives for ketamine to be largely eliminated from the bloodstream, which typically occurs within 10 to 12.5 hours. However, traces of its metabolites can remain detectable in the body for longer.

Taken intravenously as an anesthetic, ketamine works quickly – typically within 10-30 seconds, and can last 5-15 minutes.

Ketamine Drug Tests and Detection Windows

Ketamine and its metabolite, norketamine, can be detected for hours to months, depending on the drug test used.

Hair tests can detect ketamine for up to 90 days, like most other drugs.[7]

Ketamine Side Effects

Ketamine can have a range of side effects, including:[8]

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Uncontrollable muscle spasms
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Amnesia
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Irrational behavior
• Signs of allergic reaction like difficulty breathing or swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat

There are serious risks with ketamine use, including:

• Mood and personality changes
• Poor memory and concentration
• Degraded sense of smell with snorting
• Abnormal liver or kidney function
• Addiction

Hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder has been reported after ketamine use. However, it is rare and more commonly associated with classic hallucinogens like LSD and psilocybin, leading to symptoms like spontaneous recurrence of visual hallucinations that can persist for weeks, months, or even years.[9]

Ketamine Withdrawal

Misusing ketamine for long periods can build psychological dependence. If you stop suddenly, you may experience intense cravings that make it difficult to stop using the drug. Ketamine withdrawal symptoms can include:[10]

• Loss of appetite
• Cravings
• Tiredness
• Chills
• Restlessness
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irregular heartbeat

Is Ketamine Addictive?

According to research, ketamine use can cause brain changes that are similar to a drug with known addictive potential.[11] People who use ketamine chronically often experience the symptoms of addiction, including using ketamine at higher doses or for longer periods than intended, using ketamine in risky situations, spending a lot of time obtaining or using ketamine, developing a tolerance, and continuing to use ketamine despite problems it’s caused.

Treating Ketamine Misuse and Addiction

Though more research is needed to determine how addictive ketamine is, it can build tolerance and dependence. If you stop taking ketamine suddenly, you may experience intense withdrawal symptoms that make you vulnerable to relapse – increasing the risk of serious side effects.

Ketamine withdrawal isn’t generally dangerous, but it can be difficult to overcome without help. Medical detox as part of an addiction treatment program can ensure you have medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms and keep you as safe and comfortable as possible.

Once detox is complete, it’s best to enter a comprehensive addiction treatment program to address the emotional, social, and psychological aspects of addiction. Both inpatient and outpatient programs offer a range of individualized treatment options, including individual therapy, group counseling, and behavioral therapies.

Seek Help for Ketamine Misuse

Though the effects of ketamine are short-lived, it can have lasting side effects and serious risks. If you’re struggling with ketamine misuse or addiction, it’s important to get help as soon as possible to avoid any adverse effects.