Deschloroketamine Facts
Dissociative;
Description
DCK (deschloroketamine) is a synthetic dissociative of the arylcyclohexylamine class. It blocks glutamate signaling in the brain, disconnecting normal sensory processing and producing the characteristic dissociative state.[1][2]
Subjective effects include dissociative anaesthesia, perceptual distortion, bodily detachment, cognitive disconnection, euphoria, and ego dissolution at higher doses. The experience is warmer and more immersive than ketamine — unfolding gradually and sustaining intensity over hours, lending itself to contemplative introspection when the setting is calm.
DCK produces meaningful dependence — animal studies show it is both rewarding and reinforcing, mirroring ketamine's profile.[3] The longer duration means more cumulative exposure per session, potentially amplifying psychological strain and organ-level risks over time.
Dose and durationby route · individual sensitivity varies
Starts in 15 – 30 minLasts 4 – 6 hoursAfter-effects 2 – 12 hours
Body and dependence
- Acute toxicity
- Low
- Chronic toxicity
- Moderate
- Physical dependence
- Low
- Psychological dependence
- Moderate
- Withdrawal
- Mild
- Compulsive redosing
- Moderate
Tolerance
- Builds
- Moderate
- Fully resets after
- 10 days
- Carries over to
- ketamine;
phencyclidine; methoxetamine; 2-fluorodeschloroketamine; 3-MeO-PCP; dextromethorphan
Effectslikely at a common dose
- Perception
- Spatial disorientation;
Sensory deprivation; +32 possible, including Visual acuity suppression, Vestibular distortion, Double vision - Body
- Pain suppression;
Motor control impairment; Sedation; Nystagmus (eye wobbles); +25 possible, including Dizziness, Nausea, Headache - Thinking
- Decision impairment;
Cognitive impairment; +31 possible, including Confusion, Information processing suppression, Thought disorganization - Feeling
- Euphoria;
+7 possible, including Anxiety, Dysphoria, Emotional lability - Self
- Communication suppression;
Depersonalization; Derealization; +7 possible, including Social disconnection, Craving - Time
- Temporal disorientation;
Time alteration; +2 possible - Transpersonal
- none likely · 1 possible
- Awareness
- none likely · 3 possible
Who shouldn't take it
Combinations61 recorded
Seek help immediately if
- Severe disorientation; unable to move or speak (deep dissociation / "k-hole")
- Complete loss of coordination — cannot stand or walk safely
- Vomiting while incapacitated (choking / aspiration risk)
- Very high blood pressure; fast heart rate
- Slow or shallow breathing at high doses (especially mixed with depressants)
- Unconsciousness; rarely, seizures
What to do
- Move them somewhere safe, away from stairs, water, roads, and sharp edges — they cannot protect themselves
- Place in the recovery position if vomiting or unconscious (aspiration is a key risk)
- Stay with them and reassure calmly; keep the environment quiet
- If breathing is slow/shallow or they are unresponsive, call emergency services
- Do not let them wander; do not leave them alone
- Be ready to give rescue breaths / CPR
Effects wear off with time in a safe, monitored setting. The main dangers are physical injury and aspiration while incapacitated, and respiratory depression when combined with other depressants — not the dissociation itself.
988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineFireside Project: 62-FIRESIDE
References
- [1]^Wallach J, Brandt SD (2018) 1,2-Diarylethylamine- and Ketamine-Based New Psychoactive Substances — Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology doi:10.1007/164_2018_148
- [2]^Luethi D, Liechti ME (2020) Designer drugs: mechanism of action and adverse effects — Archives of Toxicology doi:10.1007/s00204-020-02693-7
- [3]^Kim JM, Han B, Min HK, Yun J, Kim YH, Choi SO, Kang MS (2022) Rewarding and reinforcing effects of two dissociative-based new psychoactive substances, deschloroketamine and diphenidine, in mice — Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior doi:10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173333