K;k;K

list, signifying that further restrictions on its use mightbe needed. Indeed, in 1999 ketamine was classified by theDEA and FDA as a Schedule III controlled substance,making it illegal to possess without a prescription orveterinary license.WHAT KETAMINE LOOKS LIKEAND HOW IT IS TAKENKetamine is most commonly sold to pharmacies and veterinaryclinics in a clear liquid form (Figure 6.1). Illegal users ofketamine inject the drug intravenously or intramuscularly,mix it into a drink, or dip tobacco or marijuana cigarettesinto the liquid prior to smoking them. Ketamine liquid iscolorless, odorless, and tasteless. This liquid can be easilyconverted to a white powder by allowing the liquid to evaporateand then collecting the powder residue. This powder canalso be mixed into drinks, snorted, or smoked. A typical doseof ketamine costs $20–$25 on the street.Ketamine dealers have been known to obtain the drugby breaking into veterinary clinics or pharmacies and stealingtheir supply of the drug. Dealers also get ketamine by divertingshipments of the drug from pharmacies and veterinary clinicsin Mexico.PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICALEFFECTS OF KETAMINEThe chemical structure of ketamine is similar to that of thepotent psychedelic PCP (Figure 6.2). Not surprisingly, ketamineproduces many psychedelic effects that are similar tothose produced by PCP. However, ketamine’s effects aremuch shorter in duration—a “trip” on ketamine may lastonly 30–60 minutes, whereas a trip on PCP may last severalhours. The onset of ketamine’s actions is quite rapid (i.e.,within minutes), especially if snorted or injected intravenously.63