Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms
Regular use or misuse of ketamine can result in drug tolerance. This occurs when the body adjusts to the presence of ketamine, so a larger dose of the drug is required to produce the same effects.
Once the body becomes dependent on ketamine to function normally, abruptly ending ketamine use can produce a range of potentially dangerous physical and psychological symptoms. This may be caused by changes in neurochemicals like dopamine that were impacted by ketamine use.
Although the exact physiology of ketamine withdrawal symptoms is not understood, there are reports of unpleasant side effects that occur after stopping ketamine use. While some people may experience severe symptoms, others may have few or no symptoms.
Some of the main side effects of ketamine withdrawal include:
Ketamine withdrawal side effects can be unpleasant but also dangerous. Detox is the first stage of the recovery process, and seeking treatment can help to ensure a safe and lower-risk withdrawal process.
How Long Does Ketamine Stay In Your System?
The effects of ketamine can be felt quickly, usually within minutes of use. Ketamine also has a relatively short half-life, and 50% of ketamine is cleared from the body in approximately 2 to 4 hours. The exact time for how long ketamine stays in your system is influenced by individual factors, such as gender, weight, and frequency of use. Although the effects of ketamine wear off fairly quickly, it can take up to 24 hours for ketamine to leave the system entirely.
Ketamine’s short half-life can be helpful for medical situations, but it also makes the drug a target for misuse. Because the effects of ketamine can wear off quickly, people may take repeated doses for a prolonged effect. Repeated use can prolong the withdrawal process and may contribute to more severe symptoms.