Regarding:
>I know that Ketamine is often abused as a recreational drug sold on the
>streets as "Special K".  But is it also the same drug that was sold on the
>streets as "Ecstasy" about ten years or so ago?
 
"Ecstasy" is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).  Ecstasy was first
synthesized by Merck as an appetite suppressant.  It has also been used as a
therapeutic tool.  The physical effects are similar to that of amphetamines.
 
Ketamine is related to phencyclidine (PCP) in that both drugs are
arylcyclohexylamines.  It is commonly used as an anaesthetic for children in
industrialized countries and for all ages in third world countries as it is
inexpensive and easy to use.  Abusers of this drug are generally attempting
to induce a near-death experience.
 
Ketamine is often sold as Ecstasy in the dance/rave scene - but the effects
are quite different.
 
-Cheryl and the Wrecking Crew
[Posted in FML issue 2365]