Work

Trapped in the "K-hole"

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: Medical use of ketamine has a good safety record, but recent increase of misuse is worrying.We focussed on ketamine misuse mortality figures (UK; 1993-2006), extracted both from St George"s np-SAD database and from published mortality statistics.The 23 victims (typically males, in the 25-44 age group) self-administered themselves with a miscellany of psychoactive compounds and alcohol.Ketamine was detected in 4 cases on its own.Although drug identification does not necessarily imply direct contribution to death, the suggested ketamine high safety profile is here questioned.Coroners/ procurators fiscal should consider more routine screening for ketamine in unexpected deaths.

Source: Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology

DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0b013e3181612cdc

Authors: Fabrizio Schifano, John Corkery, Adenekan Oyefeso, Thomy Tonia, Abdol Hamid Ghodse

Institutions: University of Hertfordshire, St George's, University of London

Language: English

Topic: Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis

Subfield: Toxicology

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W1980032647

FWCI: 5.107

Cites: 9

Cited by: 89

Related to: 10