A case of ketamine dependence with discontinuation symptoms (2006)

[Jatelka]

A new entry has been added to Drugs Archive

Description:
Addiction 2006 Aug;101(8):1212-3

Critchlow DG

Case Report

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Reputation Comments on this post:

Interesting report

[Alfa]

Comment:

An interesting case report which describes

The symptoms of ketamine use:
• euphoria;
• ‘floatyness’ (symptoms of depersonalization and
derealization);
• experiencing a combination of senses simultaneously,
such as sounds and colours;
• a feeling of universal empathy;
• the k-hole, further described as ‘tunnel vision then rising
above the body like a near death experience’; and
• a sensation that he called ‘chubbyness’ meaning that his hands and feet seemed large and numb and that objects in the world seemed large and soft.
• An informant said that his speech and ideas were
mixed up and illogical, although the patient himself was less aware of these phenomena. These effects lasted between 20 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the quantity of use and his tolerance at the
time.

As well as the addictive qualities of ketamine:
He also described a pattern of behaviour in which he had an overwhelming desire to use ketamine which was difficult to control. He had persisted in using despite evidence that ketamine caused him harm in terms of his health, relationships and work. He had suffered a perforated nasal septum, abdominal pain and anorexia with weight loss.

And ketamine withdrawal symptoms:
• 1–4 hours after cessation: craving and drug hunting
(ransacking his house looking for ketamine);
• 4–8 hours after cessation: anxiety, shaking, sweating,
palpitations, low mood, great effort required to resist
craving. These symptoms were decreased by alcohol
consumption;
• 24–48 hours after cessation: tiredness, low appetite
and low mood. At this point he would take to bed for
24 hours and wake feeling recovered but a little
weak.

Read the whole thing for more information.

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