Ketamine, despite sharing some effects with psychedelic substances, is not typically classified as a psychedelic. While both ketamine and classic psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin can induce alterations in perception, mood, and consciousness, their mechanisms of action and overall effects differ significantly.

Ketamine primarily acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist, blocking the neurotransmitter glutamate and leading to dissociative effects characterized by a sense of detachment from reality, rather than the profound alterations in perception and ego dissolution commonly associated with psychedelics.

Their mechanisms of action and overall effects differ significantly

The subjective experiences induced by ketamine, often described as "psychedelic-like," are distinct from those of classic psychedelics. Ketamine's dissociative effects typically involve feelings of floating, time distortion, and detachment from the body, rather than the visual hallucinations, enhanced sensory perception, and mystical or transcendent experiences commonly reported with psychedelics.

Therapeutic Effects

ketamine's therapeutic effects in depression, chronic pain, and other conditions are thought to arise from its modulation of glutamate neurotransmission and promotion of synaptic plasticity, rather than the psychospiritual insights and transformative experiences often associated with psychedelic therapy. Overall, while ketamine may produce some overlapping effects with psychedelics, its unique pharmacological profile and therapeutic mechanisms distinguish it as a separate class of psychoactive substance.

Conclusion

While ketamine shares similarities with psychedelic substances, it is not typically classified as such due to its unique pharmacological effects. Unlike classic psychedelics, ketamine's primary action as an NMDA receptor antagonist leads to dissociative effects rather than profound alterations in perception. The subjective experiences induced by ketamine differ from those of psychedelics, often involving feelings of detachment from reality. However, ketamine holds immense therapeutic potential for conditions such as depression and chronic pain, offering rapid relief and the possibility of long-term healing through its modulation of glutamate neurotransmission. Understanding the distinctions between ketamine and psychedelics is crucial for maximizing their therapeutic benefits in clinical practice.