KETAMINE: AN ANESTHETIC TURNED DANGEROUS

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CAVEAT KETAMINE BUYERS


* An overdose of ketamine can lead to respiratory failure and paralysis


* The drug has gained popularity as a "club drug" among teenagers and young adults


Drug Users Should Think Thrice If They Shift From Shabu to Using Anesthetic Drug.


The Bureau of Food and Drugs (Bfad) said aside from its hypnotic side effects, an overdose of ketamine, a generic term for an anesthetic drugs, can lead to respiratory failure and paralysis.


When one is caught buying ketamine over-the-counter in drug stores or using the drugs without prescription, they could end up in jail, said Senior Police Officer 4 Ernesto Gonzales, chief of the City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group.


Also known by its street name as jet, super acid, Special "K," green, K and cat Valium, the drug has gained popularity as a "club drug"


among teenagers and young adults.


Bfad representative Mary Helen Garingalao said though they haven't received guidelines on the classification status of this drug, it should not be sold over-the-counter.


"It really needs prescription because it is a regulated drug," she said.


Based on research, the drug comes in a clear liquid and a white or off-white powder form. It is a tranquilizer most commonly used on animals.


The liquid form can be injected, consumed in drinks, or added to smokeable materials while the powder form can be used for injection when dissolved. In certain areas, ketamine is being injected intramuscularly.


Ketamine, along with the other "club drugs," has become popular among teens and young adults at dance clubs and "raves."


The drug is marketed as a dissociative general anesthetic for human and veterinary use. The only known source of ketamine is via diversion of pharmaceutical products.


Recent reports indicate that a significant number of veterinary clinics are being robbed specifically for their ketamine stock.


DEA reports indicated that a major source of ketamine in the United States is product diverted from pharmacies in Mexico.


Prices of the drug in the market ranges from $20-25 per dosage unit.


Higher doses produce will lead to a "K-Hole" experience that is sometimes referred to as an "out of body," or "near-death" experience.


Use of the drug can cause delirium, amnesia, depression, and long-term memory and cognitive difficulties. Due to its dissociative effect, it is reportedly used as a date-rape drug.