Keta's Effects: How Long Do They Last?

Ketamine, or 'keta', is a drug that is increasingly being used in recreational settings. It is a dissociative anaesthetic, which means it can cause a person to feel detached from their body and their surroundings. The duration of its effects depends on a number of factors, including the method of consumption, dosage, and individual biology. Understanding how long the effects of ketamine last is crucial for harm reduction and ensuring safe usage.

Factors that influence the duration of its effects

The duration of ketamine's effects depends on several factors, including the method of administration, dosage, individual factors, and potential interactions with other substances. Here are some key factors that influence how long its effects last:

• Method of Administration: The way ketamine is administered significantly impacts the onset and duration of its effects. When ketamine is snorted, its effects typically occur within 5 to 15 minutes, lasting for about 30 minutes to an hour. Injecting ketamine, either intravenously or intramuscularly, leads to immediate effects, with side effects appearing within seconds to minutes. Oral ingestion, on the other hand, takes longer, with effects appearing between 5 and 30 minutes and lasting for a similar duration as snorting.
• Dosage: The amount of ketamine ingested plays a crucial role in determining the duration of its effects. Higher doses generally lead to more intense and prolonged effects, including hallucinations and dissociation, while lower doses may result in shorter-lasting sedation and pain relief.
• Individual Factors: Individual factors, such as age, body mass, metabolic rate, and liver function, can influence how long ketamine's effects last. These factors affect the body's ability to metabolize and eliminate the drug. For example, individuals with liver disease or impairment may take longer to process and eliminate ketamine from their system.
• Potential Interactions: Ketamine's effects can be altered or prolonged when mixed with other substances, including alcohol or other drugs. Combining ketamine with certain substances can lead to dangerous interactions and increase the duration of its effects.

It's important to note that the duration of ketamine's effects also depends on the definition of "effects." While the immediate and noticeable effects of ketamine may subside within an hour or two, some symptoms, such as impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and altered senses, may linger for up to 24 hours. Additionally, ketamine can be detected in the body through various methods for extended periods, such as in urine for about two weeks and in hair samples for 90 days or more.

How long the effects last when snorted

The effects of ketamine can last from 30 minutes to an hour on average, but this depends on the dosage and method of ingestion. When snorted, ketamine normally takes about 5 to 15 minutes to take effect, and the high can last for 30 to 60 minutes. However, the effects can vary depending on the amount taken, with some people feeling the effects for several hours or even days.

The immediate effects of ketamine may last for around an hour, but the secondary effects can last much longer. Some users report feeling down and low in mood for a few days after using ketamine. The drug can be detected in urine tests for several days and can stay in the system for up to 14 days. In rare cases, the effects of ketamine can persist for weeks and require medical intervention.

Snorting ketamine is one of the riskier ways to take the drug, as it delivers a heavy dose of fast-onset effects and increases the risk of overdose and addiction. It can also result in severe damage to the nasal passages, with regular users experiencing a degraded sense of smell.

How long does it last in the body

The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) is an online waiver that is mandatory for visa-free and visa-waiver travellers to South Korea. It is available to citizens of 112 countries and costs 10,000 KRW (about $7-10 USD). The K-ETA is valid for 3 years from the date of approval, but it does not guarantee entry into South Korea.

The K-ETA application requires a valid passport, an email address, a credit or debit card, and a passport-size photo. Applicants should apply at least 24 hours before their flight, and the processing time is usually within 72 hours, though it can be as fast as 30 minutes.

Once approved, the K-ETA is valid for multiple trips to South Korea within the 3-year validity period. However, if there are any changes to personal information such as name, date of birth, sex, passport details, infectious disease history, or criminal record, a new K-ETA must be applied for, even if the previous one is still valid. Additionally, if the passport used for the K-ETA application expires in less than 3 years, the K-ETA approval will only be valid until the passport's expiration date.

It is important to note that the K-ETA is not a substitute for a visa. Foreign nationals who intend to stay in South Korea for an extended period or engage in profitable activities must obtain the appropriate visa from a South Korean diplomatic mission.

Duration of after-effects and comedown

The after-effects of ketamine can last up to 24 hours, with symptoms like impaired judgment, impaired senses, and reduced coordination lingering during this time. Users may also experience a floating sensation, stimulation, and visual hallucinations.

The comedown from ketamine can last a few days, with users reporting feeling down and low in mood. Ketamine withdrawal symptoms can last for 4-6 days and include cravings for ketamine, irregular and rapid heartbeat, and intense cravings and discomfort if the user stops abruptly.

The duration of the after-effects and comedown of ketamine can be influenced by several factors, including age, body mass, metabolic rate, dosage, and method of administration.

Keta's duration compared to other drugs

The duration of ketamine's effects depends on several factors, including the dosage, the method of administration, and individual characteristics such as size, weight, and health. On average, the effects of ketamine can last from 5 to 30 minutes, with a range of 30 minutes to an hour. The drug's half-life is about 2.5 hours in adults, and it is typically eliminated from the body within 10 to 12.5 hours.

In comparison, other drugs have varying durations of effects. For example, the effects of cannabis can last for 2 to 6 hours, while the effects of cocaine typically last for 15 to 30 minutes. The duration of hallucinogens such as LSD can range from 6 to 12 hours, and the effects of stimulants like methamphetamine can last from 6 to 12 hours, or even longer. Depressants like alcohol have a shorter duration, typically wearing off within a few hours.

It is important to note that the duration of a drug's effects is not indicative of how long it stays in the body. For instance, ketamine can be detected in urine tests for several days after consumption, and even longer in hair samples.

The variability in the duration of drug effects underscores the importance of understanding the specific characteristics of each substance and how they interact with individual factors.

Frequently asked questions