Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 April 2020
Ketamine is an anesthetic agent, also used for other medical purposes (pain, depression). Due to its pharmacological properties, ketamine is diverted and abused. This recreational use has become widespread in France.
we explore different kinds of ketamine diversion in order to analyze its abuse liability.
based on data collected from addictovigilance tools and from different surveys, we present the characteristics of patients and their various ketamine misuses.
We have studied notifications received between 2000-2014 and 4 recent surveys. Results are reflected in the below table:
Notifications reported 6 cases DSM-IV of dependence. In 2 cases, ketamine was used to manage withdrawal of medically prescribed opioids for pain. In 2 cases, ketamine was identified as an adulterant in ecstasy. We report also 5 victims of criminal use of ketamine for sexual assault.
Results provides insight into the myriad uses of ketamine. Abuse increase and avaibility of ketamine extends in general population.
Health professional must be informed about the widespread use of ketamine and its consequences. Our results point out the necessity to reinforce its monitoring in France.
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