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Medically Reviewed

How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your System?

- 10 sections

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

Medical Reviewer:

Sahil Talwar, PA-C, MBA

medically-verified

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Medical professionals use a drug called ketamine as an anesthetic (for pain relief) during surgery and other medical procedures. Some people may abuse ketamine for its sedative side effects. People who abuse ketamine may become addicted to it.

This article will explore ketamine’s effects and how long it remains in your body.

What you will learn:

  • The side effects of ketamine
  • The risks of ketamine abuse
  • How long ketamine remains in your system
  • How long drug tests can detect ketamine
  • The signs of ketamine abuse
  • Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment

If you or a loved one abuse ketamine or other addictive substances, seek treatment as quickly as possible. Contact the Carolina Center for Recovery specialists to learn about our comprehensive treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to make an intake appointment.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is an FDA-approved dissociative anesthetic drug. Medical professionals and veterinarians use ketamine to provide pain relief during medical procedures. In recent years, mental health and medical specialists have researched other uses for ketamine. Some prescribe ketamine therapy to treat:

  • Treatment-resistant depression
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Anxiety
  • Chronic pain

People may also abuse ketamine for its sedating and dissociative effects. People may steal it from veterinary and medical clinics or buy illicit foreign ketamine.

Common slang terms for ketamine include:

  • Special K
  • Vitamin K
  • Cat tranquilizer
  • Jet
  • K

Ketamine abuse can be very dangerous. Abusing ketamine can cause serious short and long-term complications in a person’s overall health and well-being. It is important to recognize the signs of ketamine abuse and seek treatment as soon as possible.

The Effects and Risks of Ketamine Abuse

People may abuse ketamine for its sedative and dissociative effects. Users may experience a range of side effects when using ketamine. Common ketamine side effects include:

  • Feeling of disconnectedness
  • Relaxation
  • Amnesia (memory loss)
  • Detachment from pain
  • Distorted sensory perceptions
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety
  • A general sense of uneasiness
  • Difficulty maintaining focus
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Nausea

People may develop feelings that they do not exist and other distressing effects while abusing ketamine.

Long-term complications from ketamine abuse include:

  • Physical dependence and addiction
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Kidney damage
  • Chronic abdominal pain
  • Long-term memory problems

People who abuse ketamine are also at risk of overdose. It is important to seek treatment as soon as you recognize ketamine abuse.

How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your System?

The body begins to break down ketamine as soon as someone ingests it. There are many factors that can affect how long ketamine stays in the body. These factors include:

  • Age
  • Body mass and composition
  • Liver function
  • The route of administration (how someone ingested ketamine)
  • Dose of ketamine
  • General health

The half-life of Ketamine (the time it takes your body to eliminate half of a drug) is about 2.5 hours. Generally, though, it can take about 10 hours for ketamine to leave the bloodstream.

How Long Can Drug Tests Detect Ketamine?

Although it typically takes about 10 hours for your body to metabolize ketamine from its systems, ketamine drug tests may be able to detect it for longer periods. Here is an overview of how long drug tests may detect ketamine in your system.

Blood testing

Blood tests may detect ketamine for up to 3 days after your last dose.

Urine testing

This type of testing may detect ketamine in urine for up to 14 days after your last dose.

Saliva testing

Saliva testing has the shortest detection window of 24 hours after your last dose.

Hair testing

Hair follicle testing has the longest detection window. This type of testing may detect ketamine for a month or more after your last dose.

There are no reliable ways to speed up the detox process to pass a drug screening. If you are concerned about taking a drug screening test, you may need treatment for substance use disorder (SUD).

Recognizing the signs of addiction and seeking treatment can help you work toward lifelong recovery from substance abuse.

Recognizing and Treating Ketamine Abuse

Ketamine abuse can change the way your brain works. These changes can make it very challenging to stop using ketamine when you want to. People with ketamine addiction may continue to use this dangerous drug, even when it causes significant physical, emotional, and social damage.

If you notice signs of addiction, seek treatment as quickly as possible. Some signs of ketamine abuse and addiction include:

  • Needing to use larger doses to get the desired effects
  • Spending a lot of time and energy getting and using ketamine
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you cut back or stop using it
  • Having legal, social, or financial trouble related to your ketamine use
  • Isolating or only spending time with others who abuse addictive substances
  • Having cravings for ketamine
  • Being unable to stop using ketamine, even if it is causing serious or life-threatening problems in your life

It is possible to recover from ketamine addiction. Getting the right treatment and support can help you identify and overcome the physical, behavioral, and psychological aspects of ketamine addiction.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with ketamine abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at the Carolina Center for Recovery to explore our comprehensive treatment programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Ketamine label
  2. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Ketamine
  3. Journal of Analytical Toxicology: Urinary Excretion Rates of Ketamine and Norketamine Following Therapeutic Ketamine Administration: Method and Detection Window Considerations Get access Arrow
  4. Science Direct: Detection of ketamine and its metabolites in urine by ultra high pressure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

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