Signs and Symptoms of Ketamine

Street Names: Special K, Vitamin K, Cat killer, Cat valium, Purple, K

Method of Use: Snorted, Smoked, Injected

Inhaling a substance through nose or mouth (sometimes using a substance soaked rag, breathing fumes out of a bag or balloon containing the preferred substance, or inhaling directly from the can)

Symptoms/Effects of Use

• Lost sense of time, senses, and identity
• Amplified visual perception and sense of touch
• Muted sense of smells and tastes
• Euphoria
• Confusion
• May feel 'floaty' (detached from your body/environment, “K hole”)
• Paralyzed sensation
• Impaired attention, learning ability, motor function, and memory
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Numbness
• Nausea/vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia/delusional thinking
• Egocentrism (preoccupation with one’s internal world)
• Delirium and amnesia (in high doses)
• Fatal respiratory problems
• Personality changes

What to Look For

• Panic/paranoia
• Rage
• Slurred speech
• Muscle spasms (may look like seizures)
• Dry mouth
• Nervousness
• Hallucinations

Withdrawals Symptoms (not clearly established)

• Nightmares
• Disorientation
• Sense of unreality

Note: Each person may experience different symptoms/effects. This list is not inclusive. For more information, visit www.drugabuse.gov