Ketamine

Montaser Maslamani
Pioneers Baccalaureate School-Nablus, Palestine
March 14, 2016
ABSTRACT
Ketamine, or Special K was first introduced in 1970 for
human trials and approved. Its made up of carbon,
hydrogen, chlorine, nitrogen, and oxygen. Replacing another
anesthetic drug because of the side effects, this drugs also
contains some side effects that are not that severe
compared to the previous one. Moreover, ketamine was so
popular in the 1980s where its spread in a wide range.
INTRODUCTION
Back in 1962, ketamine was synthesized by Calvin
Stevens as a replacement for PCP which was an anesthetic
drug that caused severe hallucinations. At first it was tested
on animals for 8 years to find a version with side effects that
doesnt involve death. 1970, ketamine got out to the human
world of drugs. 1970-1980, ketamine made it to be the most
famous anesthetic drug and was involved in battle fields to
help the wounded with their pain. Addiction over ketamine
started in 1990s and in 1999 it became a controlled
substance in selling which means only by a prescription. i

METHODS
1. Toothpicks
2. Marshmallows

DISCUSSION
Name of the Drug: Ketamine
other names (street names): Special K, vitamin K, Kit Kat,
purple, and jet.
Chemical Makeup
C13H16ClNO
Chemical Structure

Purpose of the Drug

Replacing PCP, ketamine is an anesthetic medication for
surgery and to prevent pain and discomfort during certain
medical tests or procedures.ii
Side Effects of the Drugiii
1. Double vision
2. Rash
3. Loss of appetite
4. Nausea
5. Pain at the injection site
6. Uncontrolled eye movements
7. Warm skin
8. Vomiting
9. Weight loss
10. Bloody urine
11. Chest pain or discomfort
12. Hallucinations
13. Dizziness
14. Sweating
15. Struggle in breathing
Presence in the World
Ketamine appears to be found a worldwide drug. Since it
became popular, ketamine is known then started to be
abused. Due to that in 1999 a prescription should be
required for it. Even though its considered somehow an
affective pain killer, some countries are debating of
banning it because of its side effects. In addition, new
drugs are rising every year, where some can take over.
Presence in Palestine
In some pharmacies, ketamine can be found or the one
can go to Israel to find it there since its abused by

people who face depression. Though it still needs a

prescription to get some.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank PBS Wi-Fi for giving us access to the
information. In addition, to Ms. Meha for providing us with
rooms to research.

i http://ketamine.com/history-of-ketamine/5-turning-points-during-the-history-of-ketamine/
ii http://www.drugs.com/mtm/ketamine.html
iii http://www.drugs.com/sfx/ketamine-side-effects.html /
http://sideeffects.embl.de/drugs/3821/pt