What effect does ketamine have on the body?

Ketamine is an anesthetic used in both humans and animals.  It causes sedation, reduces pain, and produces amnesia such that patients have no memory of events while under its influence.  It is also referred to as a “dissociative” anesthetic because patients may experience visual or sensory hallucinations, unusual thoughts or beliefs, and feelings of not being in control.  There are numerous health risks associated with improper use of ketamine such as high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, nausea, dangerously slow breathing, unconsciousness, and even death, especially when mixed with alcohol.  In addition to tolerance and dependence, ketamine can cause long-term problems like damage to the digestive tract, kidneys, liver, urinary tract, and brain.