Dissociative Anesthetics
Common Examples
PCP
Ketamine
Dextromethorphan
Prescription Examples
Methods of Ingestion
Orally
Smoked
Eye Drops
Transdermal
Injected
Insufflation
Common Signs of Use
Perspiring
Chemical Odor
Slurred Speech
Blank Stare
Incomplete Verbal Responses
Repetitive Speech
Cyclic Behaviors
Warm to the Touch
Hallucinations
Physical Effects
Cut off or distort brain’s perception of the rest of the body’s senses (Dissociate)
Increase user’s pain threshold (Anesthetic)
Effects
Confusion
Possibly Violent
Disorientation
Non-Communicative
Sensory Distortions
Overdose Effects
Deep Coma
Seizures and Convulsions
Respiratory Depression
Magnification of Cardiac Conditions
Possible Psychosis
Overview
Dissociative drugs are a class of hallucinogen and are known for altering perceptions of sight, sound and connections with one’s surroundings. When taken, they generate feelings of separation, or dissociation, from the environment and self. While certain dissociative drugs no longer have any forms of legal use, some types are used as anesthetic and others can be found in over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medications.
Dissociative drugs work by blocking signals to the conscious mind from different parts of the brain. Studies suggest that this blockage may occur as the drugs disrupt the actions of glutamate, a chemical in the brain that plays a large role in cognition, emotion and pain perception. This may serve to explain the hallucinations, sensory deprivation and dream-like trances experienced by those who use this class of drug. Some dissociatives have general depressant effects as well, which is why doctors prescribe them to sedate patients who are in pain or to help maintain general anesthesia during an operation.