Ketamine is used again by both physicians and addicts.
Ketamine is a unique anaesthetic because it has both hypnotic and analgesic effects and also potential hallucinogenic side effects. Lack of cardiopulmonary depression makes the drug a popular choice for anaesthesia in the prehospital setting. In recent years ketamine has been found to have anti-hyperalgesic and opioid saving effects, opening to new ways of managing post-operative and chronic pain states. Recreational use of ketamine among night clubbers is increasing and makes acute and chronic symptoms of ketamine abuse a new challenge in emergency departments.