What is Ketamine Used For?
Is Ketamine An Opiate?
Ketamine has many similar characteristics to those of opioids, but it is not an opiate drug. Ketamine belongs to a class of drugs called dissociative anesthetics. It has the anesthetic properties of opiates but also has strong dissociative, sometimes hallucinogenic effects. It is similar to PCP.

Ketamine can also be used as a pain reliever when used in smaller doses. In more recent studies, researchers have found ketamine to be effective in treating depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the FDA has not approved prescribing ketamine to treat these conditions. Treating depression or PTSD with ketamine would be an off-label use.
Because ketamine significantly impacts motor function, it has become a popular date rape drug. The fact that it is taken in a setting where users are using alcohol and other drugs make its use increasingly risky.
Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
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