Top 5 Signs of a Ketamine Overdose

A ketamine overdose can be fatal within minutes if breathing becomes severely depressed or stops completely. Recognising the five critical warning signs – breathing problems, unconsciousness, extreme confusion, severe vomiting, and hallucinations – could mean the difference between life and death for someone you care about.

Call 999 immediately if you suspect a ketamine overdose. For addiction help, call 07476 995039.

Can You Die From a Ketamine Overdose?

Yes, ketamine overdose can be fatal, particularly when the drug depresses breathing to dangerous levels or causes complete respiratory failure. Death rates increase dramatically when ketamine is mixed with alcohol, opioids, or other depressant drugs, which compound the life-threatening effects.

The drug’s unpredictable potency on the street makes overdose risk even higher, as users cannot know the actual strength or purity of what they’re taking.

What are the 5 Deadly Ketamine Overdose Symptoms?

These five symptoms indicate a medical emergency requiring immediate 999 calls, as they can rapidly become life-threatening without professional intervention.

1. Breathing Problems (Most Dangerous) Slow, shallow, or irregular breathing is the most critical overdose sign. Breathing may slow to fewer than 10 breaths per minute or stop completely for periods of time. This can cause brain damage within 3-4 minutes and death within 6-10 minutes.
2. Loss of Consciousness Complete unresponsiveness or falling into a coma-like state where the person cannot be woken by shouting or physical stimulation. They may appear to be sleeping but cannot be roused normally.
3. Severe Confusion and Disorientation Extreme confusion where the person doesn’t recognise people or surroundings, cannot speak coherently, or appears completely disconnected from reality. This goes far beyond ketamine’s normal dissociative effects.
4. Persistent Vomiting While Unconscious Dangerous because unconscious people can choke on their own vomit, blocking airways and causing suffocation. This is why unconscious overdose victims must be placed in the recovery position.
5. Terrifying Hallucinations Severe, distressing hallucinations that cause panic, violent behaviour, or dangerous actions like trying to jump from heights or run into traffic.

What Should I Do During a Ketamine Overdose Emergency?

Call 999 immediately – don’t wait to see if symptoms improve, as ketamine overdose can worsen rapidly. Time is critical when breathing is compromised, and paramedics carry life-saving equipment you don’t have at home.

Emergency steps to take:

Never leave someone alone during a suspected overdose – their condition can deteriorate from stable to fatal in minutes.

Is Mixing Ketamine with Other Drugs more Dangerous?

Yes, combining ketamine with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other depressants multiplies overdose risk exponentially. These combinations can cause respiratory depression, heart failure, and death even at doses that might normally be survivable.

Particularly dangerous combinations:

• Ketamine + alcohol (extremely common and deadly)

• Ketamine + heroin or other opioids

• Ketamine + benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) • Ketamine + GHB or other club drugs

The unpredictable street purity of ketamine makes any combination potentially lethal, as users cannot accurately judge dosing.

How Can I Tell if Someone Needs Ketamine Addiction Help?

Regular ketamine use that continues despite negative consequences indicates addiction requiring professional treatment. Early intervention prevents escalation to life-threatening overdose situations.

Clear addiction warning signs:

• Using ketamine daily or multiple times per week

• Unable to enjoy activities without ketamine

• Continuing use despite health, relationship, or legal problems

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop

• Lying about or hiding ketamine use from loved ones

Where Can I Get Immediate Help for Ketamine Problems?

Help4Addiction provides 24/7 crisis support and connects you with emergency ketamine treatment services across the UK. Whether you need immediate overdose support, addiction treatment, or are worried about someone’s ketamine use, we can direct you to appropriate help.

Our experienced team understands ketamine addiction and overdose risks. We work with leading treatment centres, NHS services, and private facilities to ensure you receive the right level of care for your situation – from emergency medical support to comprehensive addiction treatment programmes.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – ketamine overdoses can happen to anyone, anytime. Get help now.