If you have ever had to have surgery, or if someone you know has had surgery, you may have heard of this drug called "Ketamine." Or maybe your doctor has told you about it. So, today we're going to talk about what Ketamine is, what it does, and what we need to be aware of. I'll explain it in a very simple way that you can understand.
What kind of drug is Ketamine?
Simply put, Ketamine is an anesthetic . That is, it is a drug used to put you to sleep or lose consciousness before surgery. It helps you feel comfortable and pain-free during the operation. It is sometimes called the brand name `(Ketalar)`.
This medicine can sometimes be used for other reasons, so if you have any questions, it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What are the most important things to tell the doctor?
Before you are given Ketamine, there is some information you need to share with your care team so they can safely administer this treatment to you.
If you have these things, you definitely need to say:
- Head injury: If you have ever had a head injury, tell us about it.
- Heart disease: If you have heart disease or any other heart problem.
- High blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure, that is, if you have high blood pressure.
- Allergic reaction: If you have an allergy, whether to ketamine, another medication, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: This is very important whether you are expecting a baby or already pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother (breast-feeding): If you are breastfeeding your baby, you should also tell the doctor .
Imagine, telling the doctor this information is like telling them about an obstacle ahead while walking on the road. Then they can carefully avoid it.
How do you use this medicine?
This medicine is given as an injection . It is given into a vein or muscle. This is only given by a doctor or a trained medical staff member in a hospital or clinic. This is not a medicine to be used at home.
Speaking of giving this medicine to children, in some special cases it can be given to children as young as 16 years old. However, there are a few things to be careful about when doing so. Therefore, if you are giving this to a child, talk to your doctor about it carefully and find out the details.
Overdose: This is unlikely to happen, as this is given under medical supervision. However, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, or if you feel anything strange, call a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Important: This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else. Also, this is not a medication that you take regularly, meaning every day.
Are there any side effects to this medicine?
Like any medicine, Ketamine can cause some side effects. But not everyone gets them. Some are serious and should be reported to your doctor immediately. Some are normal and go away in a few days.
Side effects that you should tell your doctor or a medical professional immediately:
- Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, hives; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, etc.
- Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that are not real. Feeling like you are losing touch with reality.
- Heartbeat rhythm changes: Shortness of breath; chest pain; feeling dizzy; feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly; feeling faint, like you might faint.
- Increase in blood pressure: Blood pressure can suddenly increase.
- Liver injury: Dark yellow or brown urine; yellowing of the eyes or skin; feeling weak or feverish; loss of appetite; pain in the upper right abdomen; extreme fatigue.
- Light-colored stool.
- Low blood pressure: Feeling dizzy; feeling faint, lightheaded; extreme fatigue.
- Trouble breathing.
If you see something like this, don't delay. Tell a doctor right away.
Side effects that are usually nothing to worry about, but if they persist or are bothersome, you should tell your doctor :
- Lack or loss of appetite.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected.
This list does not include all side effects. If you experience anything different, talk to your doctor about it.
What else should we be especially careful about when taking this medicine?
When you are given this Ketamine medication, the medical team will carefully monitor your condition.
- You may feel drowsy or dizzy . Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing other tasks that require concentration until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Don't get up suddenly. Especially if you are older, you are more likely to feel dizzy and faint when you stand up suddenly. So get up slowly.
- Alcohol does not work well with this medicine. Avoid alcohol.
Can this have an effect with other medications? (Drug Interactions)
Yes, this is very important. Ketamine can interact with some other medications you are taking. This means that when combined with those medications, their effects may change, or new side effects may occur.
Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you take – prescription, over-the-counter, traditional medicines, vitamins, herbal products, dietary supplements – and if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Here are some examples of medications that may interact with Ketamine:
- Aminophylline
- Antihistamines for allergies, coughs, and colds
- Some medications for anxiety or sleep
- Some medications for blood pressure, heart disease, and irregular heartbeat
- Some medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline)
- Some medications for seizures (e.g. phenobarbital, primidone)
- Medicines given to relax muscles during surgery
- Narcotic medicines for pain
- Other anesthetics (e.g. isoflurane, propofol)
- Phenothiazines (e.g. chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine)
- Theophylline
This list is not complete. There may be other medications. That's why it's important to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
How do I store this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can keep at home. It is only given in a hospital or clinic . So you don't have to worry about storing it.
The most important things for you to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so here are some things you need to remember from what we've talked about with Ketamine:
- Ketamine is an anesthetic injection that is given to reduce consciousness and pain before and during surgery.
- This is only given by a doctor or trained medical staff in a hospital or clinic.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially heart disease, high blood pressure, head injuries, allergies), any other medications you take, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You may feel drowsy and dizzy after taking the medicine, so do not drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
- If you experience serious side effects (such as difficulty breathing, changes in heart rate, allergies, or seeing strange images), tell your doctor immediately.
- This is not a daily medication, and it should not be shared with others.
Remember, all of this information is provided to educate you. Ketamine is a drug that is used very carefully and safely by doctors. So don't be unnecessarily afraid. If you have any questions or doubts, ask your doctor directly. They will help you.
` Ketamine, anesthesia, surgery, side effects, medication, vaccine
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