Ketamine is a drug used in the treatment of certain mental illnesses like depression, but it is also commonly abused for recreational purposes. Heavy, high-dose, and long-term use of ketamine is associated with urological, neurological, and gastrointestinal complications. [1][2][3] Among the most common are the experience of K-cramps, which involve severe abdominal pain, sometimes in addition to urinary symptoms, nausea, and vomiting. Most of the time, K-cramps will resolve, and long-term damage can be avoided if the user stops ketamine use. [1][2][4]
- K-cramps are a common side effect reported by about one-third of long-term, heavy users of ketamine.
- K-cramps can signal underlying damage to the liver, kidneys, bladder, or urinary tract system, and should be treated as a serious health warning.
- The only way to prevent further health complications related to K-cramps is to stop using ketamine, which can sometimes reverse or prevent long-term health complications.
What are K-cramps?
K-cramps describe a collection of gastrointestinal and urological symptoms involving upper abdominal pain, sometimes in addition to nausea, vomiting, and urinary pain. K-cramps are most common in heavy, long-term users of ketamine, especially those who use high doses of 1g per day or more. [1][4] The pain associated with K-cramps is often severe in nature, leading to an increase in emergency medical visits in several countries across the world, including the U.S. [2][5]
K-cramp symptoms include severe abdominal pain, usually located in the upper abdomen. In some instances, K-cramps can cause pain that is lower in the abdomen and involves urinary symptoms like painful, urgent, and frequent need to urinate. It is estimated that approximately one-third of long-term, chronic users of ketamine experience K-cramps. K-cramps are less common in short-term, low-dose users. [2][3]
How does ketamine use cause K-cramps?
While the exact cause of ketamine cramps is unknown, it is believed that long-term and heavy use can damage the liver, kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract system. [3][4] Ketamine is metabolized by the liver and then passes through the kidneys, bladder, and is excreted through the urine. It is believed that ketamine toxicity can damage these systems within the body, leading to inflammation, pain, and cellular damage. [3][6]
In some cases, this damage can be irreversible, leading to serious and life-threatening complications like cirrhosis. There have also been reports and case studies where bladder injury linked to ketamine misuse was severe enough that it required surgical removal of the bladder. [1][2] In many instances, these long-term, serious, and potentially fatal complications can be prevented by stopping ketamine use.
How painful are they?
K-cramps are described as very painful. The pain that people experience with ketamine cramps is similar to gas pain, but much more severe in nature. Because of how painful they can be, there have been dramatic increases in the number of people seeking emergency medical treatment for K-cramps. [1][2]
How long do they last?
K-cramps usually last a few hours and subside as the drug is metabolized. Often, ketamine cramps will resolve on their own without treatment or medicine if the person stops using. However, many people continue to use ketamine even after experiencing this painful side effect. When use is continued, it is highly likely that K-cramps will recur, and the pain may worsen over time as more damage is caused to the liver, kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract. [2][4]
Symptoms of K-cramps
The primary symptom of K-cramps is abdominal pain, which is often severe in nature. Usually, the pain is localized in the upper abdomen, although some individuals describe urinary pain as well. Ketamine cramp pain is sometimes described as being similar to gas pain, but more severe. Some individuals experiencing K-cramps also have other gastrointestinal or urinary symptoms, including: [1][3][6]
- Tenderness in the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Painful urination
- Urgent and frequent need to urinate
- Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
- Bladder pain or swelling
- Urinary incontinence
Can K-cramps be fatal?
Ketamine cramps are usually not fatal, but they should be considered a serious warning sign from the body that ketamine use is posing a serious risk to your health. When ketamine use is discontinued, many of the symptoms will resolve, and it is likely that the damage can be reversed. When it is continued, it is likely that K-cramps will become more severe in nature, which can be a sign that ketamine is damaging essential organs and systems within the body. [1][2]
Long-term damage caused by ketamine use
More research is needed to better understand the long-term damage and health risks of ketamine use. From the available research, it appears that ketamine use can damage the liver, kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract system. [1][2][3][6] When symptoms like K-cramps are ignored, and use is continued, it is possible that there will be serious and irreversible damage done to these systems.
In some instances, the long-term damage related to ketamine use can result in debilitating and even life-threatening conditions. For instance, there have been reports of long-term users needing to have their bladders surgically removed because of damage from ketamine use. [1][2] There have also been reports of liver damage, which can progress to liver disease or cirrhosis, which can be life-threatening conditions. [3][6]
Treatment options for K-cramps
If you experience K-cramps, it is highly advisable to stop using ketamine immediately. Seeking out addiction treatment may be necessary if you are unable to stop on your own, and it will increase the likelihood of reversing and preventing further health problems.
When an individual seeks medical treatment for K-cramps, the following medications and treatments may be used to treat the symptoms and reduce discomfort: [3]
- Antiemetics and antispasmodic medications to treat nausea and GI pain.
- Over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen.
- Fluids and electrolytes to treat dehydration symptoms.
Actions to take at home
Individuals experiencing K-cramps should consider seeking out professional addiction treatment, since stopping ketamine is the only way to reverse and prevent long-term health complications. In addition, over-the-counter pain relievers may be helpful in alleviating symptoms in the short term. Some individuals have also recommended hot baths or showers, and warm beverages to alleviate K-cramp pain. [3]
Getting help for a ketamine addiction
There are many treatment options for individuals who need help with a ketamine addiction or dependence. Seeking therapy from an addiction treatment center can help you establish your sobriety, develop healthier coping skills, and make a comprehensive plan for maintaining your recovery long-term.
Summary
Ketamine use is becoming increasingly common, and more people are reporting adverse effects. [2][3][5][6] Among the most common are the experience of severe abdominal pain, urinary pain, and nausea, which are commonly referred to as ‘K-cramps’. Ketamine cramps are believed to be caused by damage to the liver, kidneys, and bladder, and should be treated as a serious warning sign from the body that ketamine is adversely affecting your health. [1][2][3]
There are many treatment options available for individuals struggling with a dependence or addiction to ketamine. Treatment for addiction can provide a strong foundation for lasting sobriety and long-term recovery from ketamine addiction.
