Ketamine, sold under the brand name
Ketalar among others, is a
medication mainly used for starting and maintaining
anesthesia. It induces a
trance-like state while providing
pain relief,
sedation, and
memory loss. Other uses include for
chronic pain and for sedation in
intensive care. Heart function, breathing, and airway reflexes generally remain functional. Effects typically begin within five minutes when given by injection with the main effects lasting up to 25 minutes.