Ketamine is a drug used by doctors and dentists to reduce pain during a medical procedure. If given in a higher dosage, it can be used as an anesthetic for simple surgeries. While it can be an effective drug when properly used and administered, its side effects can be scary and dangerous. Before you go for the appointment where the ketamine will be used, you may want to know a few facts. If you have any concerns or questions, be sure to discuss them with your health care professional. Here are some things you should probably bring up before being given the drug:
Length of the Effects
As with any drug, you can never be sure of how long it is going to affect you. While the doctor will only use the amount necessary for your situation, no one can know how it will work with your body. Even though you may not be feeling the full effects when you leave the office, that does not mean you are free of them. In general, it is a good idea to consider yourself still drugged for a full 24 hours after you get home.
Serious Effects
While it is completely normal to be drowsy or dizzy, and feel like you are in a dream, there are some effects that require notifying a health care professional. If you start hallucinating, become extremely afraid of things going on around you or in your mind, are confused about simple facts or things you should know, or have problems with any of your senses, it is important that you go back to your doctor's office or to an emergency room. Unfortunately, these symptoms usually mean you are not capable of contacting or getting the medical help you need. Therefore, it is important you have another adult with you for the whole day and night.
You should not be afraid to have the doctor use ketamine. However, you should also not be afraid to discuss the drug entirely. If you are not going to be able to have someone stay with you, or if there are aspects of the drug that you are not comfortable with, ask if a different drug can be used. Of course, any drug can have unpleasant side effects. Listen to your doctor and do not just nod in agreement. The best way to deal with ketamine and its effects is to be prepared for what might happen.
Share8 August 2017
As a child, I used to spend my days roaming through the woods. I climbed trees, smelled the flowers, and laid in the grass looking at the clouds. My love for nature continued through my teen years, but when I turned 23, I began to sneeze whenever I left my home. I could no longer enjoy my outdoor hikes and I started taking antihistamines so I could at least open my windows on warm days. My allergies got worse though and I met with an allergist who completed a variety of skin tests. I started receiving allergy shots and my allergist taught me about natural cleaning processes and sinus rinses. The injections and natural treatments improved my quality of life greatly. Even if you do not want to start allergy injections, you have a variety of options that can lessen your symptoms, and you should learn what these options are.
