Ketamine is designed to be used as a moderate anesthetic that does not produce complete drowsiness, if a person takes too much of it or takes it too rapidly, the medication will not provide enough assistance for breathing. This means that how ketamine is administered is critical, as it can lead to addiction, damage, and even death if not handled correctly.

Ketamine acts by reducing the effects of central sensitization, which can lead to the development of chronic pain. In the presence of chemical signals that continuously notify the brain of pain in the body, chronic pain evolves and endures. The sustained effectiveness of ketamine, according to mental health doctors, is attributable in part to the body's secondary effects.

Snorting ketamine can cause long-term damage to the nose's structure as well as a loss of smell. It can harm veins, muscles, skin, and internal organs when injected. It can also cause skin infections, viral illnesses, endocarditis, and a heart valve infection.

Ketamine misuse has been linked to kidney and liver damage. When high doses of the medicine are taken for an extended period of time, urinary tract and bladder issues can develop. Increased heart rate, seizures, high blood pressure, and breathing problems are all possible side effects.

Because of ketamine's habit-forming qualities, people who stop using it recreationally suddenly may experience withdrawal symptoms. Individuals who take recreational ketamine for an extended amount of time may face unfavourable effects. These negative consequences may continue longer than a year, and some symptoms, such as cognitive abnormalities and organ damage, may be permanent.