Ethketamine

Ethketamine is a chemical compound and psychedelic drug that is structurally related to ketamine, a well-known anesthetic and dissociative drug. Ethketamine, also known as N-Ethylketamine or N-EK, is a derivative of ketamine in which the hydrogen atom at the nitrogen position is replaced with an ethyl group.

Chemistry

Ethketamine is a member of the class of compounds known as arylcyclohexylamines. These are compounds containing a cyclohexane ring which is bound to an aromatic ring and an amine group. The structure of ethketamine is characterized by a cyclohexanone ring bound to a phenyl ring and an ethylamine group.

Pharmacology

The pharmacology of ethketamine is not fully understood. However, it is believed to act primarily as an NMDA receptor antagonist. This means it blocks the action of the NMDA receptor, a type of glutamate receptor that is involved in learning, memory, and perception of pain. By blocking this receptor, ethketamine can produce a range of effects including analgesia, anesthesia, and hallucinations.

Effects

The effects of ethketamine are similar to those of ketamine, but are generally considered to be more potent. These can include feelings of detachment from one's body (a "dissociative" state), hallucinations, and changes in perception of time and space. Other effects can include euphoria, increased energy, and increased sociability.

Legal Status

The legal status of ethketamine varies by country. In some countries, it is classified as a controlled substance, while in others it is legal to possess and use.

See Also

• Ketamine
• Dissociative
• Psychedelic drug
• NMDA receptor antagonist