What is a common psychological adverse effect of ketamine?

Hallucinations are a notable psychological adverse effect associated with ketamine use. Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, can induce dissociative effects, leading to alterations in perception, consciousness, and sensory experiences. These experiences may include vivid visual and auditory hallucinations, causing some patients to feel detached from their surroundings or even from their own bodies. This phenomenon is one of the reasons ketamine is sometimes referred to as a "dissociative anesthetic."

Other adverse effects, such as nausea, muscle twitching, and hypotension, may occur, but they are not classified as psychological. Nausea relates to gastrointestinal effects, muscle twitching can stem from neuromuscular actions, and hypotension pertains to cardiovascular effects. In contrast, hallucinations directly involve the brain’s perception mechanisms, making them a primary psychological adverse effect of ketamine. Understanding these effects is essential for medical professionals when considering the use of ketamine, particularly in emergency settings or for pain management where psychological reactions can significantly impact patient outcomes.