Ketamine

Because of the numbing effect of ketamine, if you are the bottom partner, you will be able to take larger than usual objects up your arse, such as cocks, toys or fists and be able to do so for longer periods of time without realising if any damage has been caused. As such, the risk of tearing the tissue of the rectum increases and therefore so does the risk of catching HIV and STIs such as
hepatitis C. In long fuck sessions, check the condom regularly, change it every half an hour or with every new partner, and keep on adding. If condoms aren’t being used every time you fuck with partners whose status you don’t know – PrEP could be a good strategy to keep you protected from HIV.

SAFER USING TIPS

• Try to use in a safe environment with friends and people you trust – somewhere you feel comfortable
• It is best not to eat within 1½ hours prior to using ketamine as it can cause nausea & vomiting so best to make sure you eat earlier before using it.
• It is best to have a sober friend or experienced user present no matter how you are taking it or where you are taking it- they will know what to do if something goes wrong or know what you are feeling.

• It’s advised to sit or lie down with doses higher than 50mg because of the effects on coordination
• Be cautious with redosing as there may still be ketamine in your system when you no longer feel the effects
• Ketamine can increase the chance of developing problems with your urinary tract. If you are sensitive to urinary tract infections or problems, moderation with ketamine use may be advised. Chances of developing problems are linked to frequency and dose.
• Don’t use ketamine if you currently have a urinary tract infection

IF YOU ARE SNORTING IT

• Snort water before and after to avoid damaging the protective lining in your nose
• Use your own clean straw for snorting to prevent the risk of transmitting blood-borne viruses (such as hepatitis C) via microscopic amounts of blood.
• Do not use money as it is covered in bacteria and other nasties

IF YOU ARE INJECTING IT

• Avoid BBVs like Hep C, Hep B, and HIV by using new & sterile syringes & equipment
• Use sterile water to mix with crystal/powdered ketamine
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after
• Find a discreet and safe place to do it
• Intravenous (IV) use of ketamine can pose a risk as it (the high) comes on very quickly. There is no ‘build up’ which means possibly going from nothing into a K-Hole immediately. If you are injecting K- even if it is IM( intramuscular) it is best to not use alone. K-Holing with a needle hanging out of your arm is dangerous

Ketamine affects everyone differently, based on a number of different factors.

Short term effects may include:

Physical

• Numbness
• Pleasant body high
• Increased energy and heart rate, palpitations with increased or decreased blood pressure
• Loss of motor skills and coordination
• Nausea, vomiting
• Slurred speech and increased salivation
• Nasal discomfort after snorting
• Headache, seizures, loss of consciousness
• Reduced heart rate & breathing

Emotional

• Euphoria or a meaningful spiritual experience
• Distortion (or loss) of sensory perception
• Greater feeling of connection to others
• Disconnection from the world or peculiar feeling of loneliness

Psychological 

• Calmness and serenity
• Pleasant mental high
• Abstract thinking and shifts in reality perception
• ‘K-Hole’- intense mind-body dissociation, out of body experiences, highly realistic visuals
• Dissociation of mind from body
• Confusion, disorientation
• Severe confusion, disorganised thinking
• Paranoia and egocentrism
• Severe dissociation, depersonalisation
• Nightmares, delirium, or amnesia

Regular use of Ketamine may eventually cause:

• Dependency – People who use ketamine frequently can develop a tolerance, which means a larger quantity of the drug is needed to get the same effect. This can increase the risk of overdose
• Increased risk of reduced memory function, impaired concentration, and cognition
• Personality changes and other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, etc.
• Increased risk of damage to the bladder, liver, and kidneys.
• Ketamine bladder syndrome

Ketamine + Alcohol can cause nausea and vomiting at low doses. It can lead to more serious effects at higher doses, such as slowed breathing, coma, or death

Ketamine + GHB, benzos, and other depressants can cause a loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing & respiratory failure which can lead to death

Ketamine + Psychedelics can intensify the psychedelic experience

Ketamine + Stimulants such as speed, cocaine, ecstasy or crystal meth ketamine dramatically increases your heart rate and puts the body under a lot of pressure.

Ketamine + HIV Meds with protease inhibitors (PI) are likely to increase the effects of Ketamine. You may experience heavier sedation the effects last longer, an increased heart rate and issues with blood pressure. If on Norvir, the combination with Ketamine may increase the risk of drug-induced hepatitis. Check out HIV drug interactions with your specific meds and talk with your GP about your meds alongside any recreational or prescription drugs you are taking.

Ketamine + PrEP drugs have no known interactions.

It is not recommended to use ketamine if you suffer (or have suffered) from:

• Increased spinal fluid pressure
• Heart problems
• Increased pressure in the eye
• Blood pressure issues
• Head trauma or injury or bleeding in/on the brain
• Eye injury
• Thyroid problems
• Recent stroke

Things not feeling great?

If you’re experiencing negative side effects from your ketamine use you can access Thorne Harbour Health’s counselling services

For LGBTI drug information check out Touchbase or for more general advice  Harm Reduction Victoria’s drug resources

If you need help on dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, please contact DrugInfo at 1300 85 85 84

If you’re in crisis contact Switchboard  or Lifeline

Ask us anything! Got more questions about ketamine? Ask our specialists and we’ll get back to you with some help or answers.