Is Ketamine an Opioid?

As the opioid epidemic continues to plague the nation, many people find themselves concerned over the risk these drugs can pose for themselves and their loved ones. As a result, it has become easy to misidentify other drugs as contributors to the opioid problem.

One of these commonly misconstrued substances is ketamine. Of course, while ketamine is not an opioid, these drugs can have similar effects, and ketamine can still be dangerous when misused. Understanding exactly what ketamine is and how it works can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that can produce hallucinogenic effects. It is known for its ability to distort perceptions of sight and sound, as well as make those who use it feel disconnected and out of control.

It is typically used by injecting the substance directly into the bloodstream and is a short-acting “dissociative anesthetic” that allows patients to feel disconnected from their surroundings and physical discomfort when used in a medical environment.

However, some people may use this drug illicitly for its ability to produce feelings of sedation, hallucinations, pain relief, and detachment. This drug has even been used to facilitate sexual assault due to its ability to cause immobility and amnesia.

In 1999, ketamine became classified as a Schedule III non-narcotic substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Currently, it maintains an accepted medical use for short-term sedation and anesthesia and is available as a nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression in certified medical environments.

However, it is important to understand that, even with its clinical applications, ketamine maintains a potential for abuse, as well as physical and psychological dependence, and should not be used recreationally.

Is Ketamine an Opioid?

Despite common misconceptions, ketamine is not an opioid. It is important to understand the difference between these two classes of drugs, as they work in very different ways and have distinct effects.

Opioids such as morphine, heroin, and fentanyl work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, mimicking the effects of natural endorphins. This allows them to relieve pain, as well as produce feelings of euphoria and sedation. However, these effects also make opioids highly addictive.

Ketamine, on the other hand, acts as a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, affecting glutamate levels in the brain. This primarily produces dissociative effects, causing those who use the drug to feel detached from their bodies and surroundings.

Like opioids, this drug can be used medically for pain management, depression, and other conditions, as well as produce negative side effects if not taken properly. Ketamine also has the potential for abuse, but dependence and withdrawal are less common than with opioids.

Therefore, it is crucial to remember that even though both ketamine and opioids can offer pain relief, they function through entirely different mechanisms and come with varying sets of risks and benefits.

Is Ketamine Addictive? 

As a controlled substance, ketamine is legally recognized for its potential for abuse and addiction. The drug’s long-lasting and euphoric effects can make it difficult to stop using ketamine once a person has started.

With prolonged use, the brain can become dependent on the presence of ketamine in the system to function normally. Once this dependence has formed, stopping the use of ketamine can be extremely difficult without help.