Description
Initially PCP was developed as an anesthetic agent but was taken off the market when a high rate of side effects was noted. Ketamine was introduced in its place and is still widely used in both veterinary and human medicine. Both of these drugs produce a “dissociative anesthesia”, a unique anesthesia characterized by analgesia and amnesia with minimal effect on respiratory function. The patient does not appear to be anesthetized and can swallow and open his or her eyes but does not process information. As a side effect many patients under the influence of these drugs experience hallucinations. Many inhalants are used therapeutically as anesthetic agents (anesthetic gases and nitrous oxide) but what are considered typical inhalants in the street sense (gasoline, toluene, break cleaner fluid, etc.) are also capable of producing hallucinations.
Select one of the above three agents and discover at least two scholarly articles about that agent.
Write a 2-3-page paper discussing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of that agent.
To achieve maximum points for content and analysis, the following elements need to be thoroughly addressed:
A summary of at least 2 scholarly articles you discovered as support for your arguments.
An academically persuasive argument for the dangers of the use of inhalants, PCP, or ketamine.
Ensure that you have cited and referenced at least two scholarly sources.
All written assignments should be formatted using APA.
