Which of the following is a common adverse effect of ketamine?

Which of the following is a common adverse effect of ketamine?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Hallucinations
• C. Hypotension
• D. Respiratory depression

Answer: (B)

Hallucinations are recognized as a common adverse effect associated with the use of ketamine. As a dissociative anesthetic, ketamine can alter perceptions and lead to vivid dreams or hallucinations during and after anesthesia. This is attributed to its action on the NMDA receptors in the brain, which influences sensory perception and consciousness. While the other options listed can be associated with various medications, they are not typically linked to ketamine use in the same way. For instance, bradycardia and hypotension are generally more associated with other anesthetics or sedatives, and respiratory depression is more commonly observed with opioids or certain sedative medications. In contrast, ketamine is noted for its unique psychoactive effects, making hallucinations a characteristic and notable adverse reaction during or after its administration.

Hallucinations are recognized as a common adverse effect associated with the use of ketamine. As a dissociative anesthetic, ketamine can alter perceptions and lead to vivid dreams or hallucinations during and after anesthesia. This is attributed to its action on the NMDA receptors in the brain, which influences sensory perception and consciousness.

While the other options listed can be associated with various medications, they are not typically linked to ketamine use in the same way. For instance, bradycardia and hypotension are generally more associated with other anesthetics or sedatives, and respiratory depression is more commonly observed with opioids or certain sedative medications. In contrast, ketamine is noted for its unique psychoactive effects, making hallucinations a characteristic and notable adverse reaction during or after its administration.