TY - JOUR
T1 - From "Special K" to "Special M"
T2 - The Evolution of the Recreational use of Ketamine and Methoxetamine
AU - Corazza, Ornella
AU - Assi, Sulaf
AU - Schifano, Fabrizio
PY - 2013/6
Y1 - 2013/6
N2 - Objective: To review the recreational use of ketamine (‘Special K’; KET) and explore the recent diffusion of its new derivative methoxetamine (‘Special M’; MXE). Methods: The literature search on the non-clinical/recreational use of KET and MXE was carried out in a range of medical databases. Considering the limitations of peer-reviewed information, data were integrated with a qualitative assessment of a range of websites, drug fora and other online resources including. Results: The recreational use of KET has started since its discovery in 1962. This was due to its rapid onset, short duration of action, and peculiar psychotropic effects (‘K-hole’). The latter effect ranges from confusion to dissociation and depersonalization (near-death experience). However, KET abuse is often associated with physical and psychological side effects of which the worst is urological/bladder toxicity. Recently, MXE has emerged as a legal and ‘bladder friendly’ KET alternative. MXE presents with the same dissociative effect of KET but with slower onset and longer duration of action. However, MXE seems to be associated with worse side effects than KET, ranging from mood disturbances/suicidal attempts to acute cerebellar toxicity. Conclusions: After 50 years of its discovery, KET has led to the emergence of MXE. However, this latter derivative does not appear to be a safer alternative to KET itself.
AB - Objective: To review the recreational use of ketamine (‘Special K’; KET) and explore the recent diffusion of its new derivative methoxetamine (‘Special M’; MXE). Methods: The literature search on the non-clinical/recreational use of KET and MXE was carried out in a range of medical databases. Considering the limitations of peer-reviewed information, data were integrated with a qualitative assessment of a range of websites, drug fora and other online resources including. Results: The recreational use of KET has started since its discovery in 1962. This was due to its rapid onset, short duration of action, and peculiar psychotropic effects (‘K-hole’). The latter effect ranges from confusion to dissociation and depersonalization (near-death experience). However, KET abuse is often associated with physical and psychological side effects of which the worst is urological/bladder toxicity. Recently, MXE has emerged as a legal and ‘bladder friendly’ KET alternative. MXE presents with the same dissociative effect of KET but with slower onset and longer duration of action. However, MXE seems to be associated with worse side effects than KET, ranging from mood disturbances/suicidal attempts to acute cerebellar toxicity. Conclusions: After 50 years of its discovery, KET has led to the emergence of MXE. However, this latter derivative does not appear to be a safer alternative to KET itself.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84873960548&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/cns.12063
DO - 10.1111/cns.12063
M3 - Article
SN - 1755-5949
VL - 19
SP - 454
EP - 460
JO - CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics
JF - CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics
IS - 6
ER -