What is a potential adverse effect of using Ketamine?

Ketamine is known for its anesthetic and analgesic properties, but it can also produce psychoactive effects, one of which includes hallucinations. These hallucinations can occur during the recovery phase after administration due to the drug's interaction with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and its influence on neurotransmitters in the brain. This dissociative effect can be troubling for some patients, leading to vivid dreams or altered perceptions of reality, and is a notable aspect of its profile.

While other effects are possible with ketamine, such as cardiovascular changes, including increases in blood pressure and heart rate rather than severe hypotension, or discomfort from acidosis or potential infection at the intravenous site, hallucinations are particularly highlighted as a common adverse effect. Understanding the psychological effects of ketamine is essential for healthcare providers, so they can prepare patients and monitor them during recovery.