Ketamine & Sleeping pills
Ketamine is classified as a dissociative anesthetic, meaning that it produces a state of dissociation or detachment from one's surroundings. It works by blocking the NMDA receptor, which plays a role in the transmission of pain signals and the regulation of mood and cognition.
By blocking the NMDA receptor, ketamine disrupts the normal functioning of the glutamate neurotransmitter system. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that is involved in various brain functions, including learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity. Ketamine's blockade of the NMDA receptor leads to a decrease in the activity of the glutamate system.
In addition to its effects on the NMDA receptor, ketamine may also interact with other receptors in the brain, including opioid receptors, monoamine receptors (such as the serotonin and dopamine receptors), and others. These interactions likely contribute to the diverse effects of ketamine.
Sleeping pills, also known as hypnotics or sedatives, are medications commonly used to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia. They work by targeting various mechanisms in the body to promote sleep. There are several types of sleeping pills, each with its own mechanism of action and potential side effects
- Benzodiazepines (BZDs): Diazepam, Lorazepam, Temazepam. BZDs enhance the effect of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA inhibits the activity of neurons, producing a calming and sedative effect.
- Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics (Z-drugs): Zolpidem, Zaleplon, Eszopiclone.Z-drugs also enhance the effect of GABA, but they specifically target the GABA-A receptor subtype. They have a similar sedative effect to benzodiazepines but with a lower risk of dependence.
- Melatonin Receptor Agonists: Ramelteon, Tasimelteon. These medications mimic the effects of melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin receptor agonists bind to specific receptors in the brain, promoting sleep.
- Orexin Receptor Antagonists: Suvorexant. Orexin is a neurotransmitter involved in promoting wakefulness. Orexin receptor antagonists block the action of orexin, leading to increased sleepiness and improved sleep.
- Antidepressants: Trazodone, Doxepin. Certain antidepressants, particularly those with sedating properties, are sometimes prescribed off-label to help with sleep. They can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, which can influence sleep patterns.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) Antihistamine sleep aids: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Doxylamine (Unisom). OTC sleep aids typically contain antihistamines that induce drowsiness. They block the effects of histamine, a neurotransmitter involved in wakefulness
Ketamine and sleeping pills both affect the central nervous system (CNS), but they work through different mechanisms of action. When used together, Ketamine and sleeping pills can have additive sedative effects in the sense of reducing the activity of the CNS. The concurrent administration of sleeping pills and ketamine may lead to an exacerbation of side effects. These adverse reactions can encompass feelings of lightheadedness, excessive sleepiness, cognitive disorientation, impaired coordination, reduced ability to focus, heightened sedation, and respiratory suppression.
The combination of these substances amplifies the effects of ataxia and sedation induced by each other, potentially resulting in unforeseen episodes of unconsciousness, particularly at higher doses. It is crucial to note that when unconscious, there is a risk of vomit aspiration if the individual is not positioned in the recovery pose.
The recreational value of this combination also remains unclear, which means it can be assumed that people can combine Ketamine and sleeping pills by chance, forgetfulness, curiosity, ignorance, etc.
Considering the above, we recommend treating this combination with great caution.
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