dissociativen

Dissociatives are a class of psychoactive substances that produce dissociation, a sense of detachment from thoughts, feelings, or the surrounding environment. Their primary mechanism is often antagonism of NMDA receptors in the brain, which disrupts glutamate signaling; many dissociatives also interact with other targets, contributing to varied effects.

Common examples include ketamine, phencyclidine (PCP), dextromethorphan (DXM), nitrous oxide, and methoxetamine (MXE). Ketamine is used medically as an anesthetic and, in some indications, for treatment-resistant depression; nitrous oxide is employed as a surgical anesthetic and analgesic; DXM is widely sold as a cough suppressant but can induce dissociation at higher doses; PCP and MXE have been used as recreational drugs and are often tightly regulated due to unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects.

Effects vary by substance and dose but typically include dissociation (a detachment from self and surroundings), altered perception and mood, analgesia, and impaired coordination. At higher doses, users may experience profound derealization or depersonalization, distorted sensory input, and impaired memory or thinking. Risks include impaired driving or coordination, risky behavior, respiratory depression when combined with other depressants, cognitive effects with repeated use, and, in the case of ketamine, urinary tract or bladder problems with long-term use.

Legal status differs by country. Ketamine and PCP are controlled substances in many jurisdictions; nitrous oxide is regulated for sale or use in some places; DXM is restricted in certain markets. Research into potential therapeutic applications continues, with attention to safety, dosing, and long-term effects.