Ketamine is often combined with other drugs to create an amplified dissociative or psychedelic effect. The most common combinations are ketamine and LSD; ketamine and MDMA; ketamine, LSD, and MDMA; ketamine, cocaine, and MDMA; and ketamine and alcohol. Most of these polydrug experiences are taken in club settings for personal use but can be taken for therapeutic purposes as well.
Ketamine in Combination with Other Substances
Things to Know
- Ketamine in combination with LSD is called dolphin flipping.
- Ketamine in combination with MDMA is called kitty flipping.
- Ketamine in combination with cocaine is called calvin klein.
- It is not recommended to combine ketamine with alcohol, as the effects can range from extreme discomfort to serious adverse health risks.
Preparing for Ketamine Combinations
Before increasing the intensity of the ketamine experience by adding other substances, it is prudent to ensure that your physical space, psychological and emotional well-being (set and setting) can help support a positive experience. These combinations can be intense and sometimes risky, and are often suggested for more experienced users.
The effects of drug combinations will vary from person to person due to differences in body chemistry. Effects are also largely dependent on dosage, the quality of the substances, and if the substances are taken together or separately.
Testing your powdery substances is the best way to have a safer drug experience. Test your substances with fentanyl strips and for the presence of fentanyl and other drugs with reagent kits to know what is in them. Drugs acquired on the black market can contain different compounds than expected, or are adulterated. Inadvertently taking drugs containing the synthetic opioid fentanyl can lead to potentially fatal overdoses.
Remember: a little ketamine goes a long way. It is possible to unintentionally slip into what is known as a “k-hole,” which is a profoundly dissociative experience. Combining ketamine with another substance may compound that reaction. If you are intentionally seeking a highly intoxicated experience, it is prudent to make sure you are in an environment where you can lie down comfortably and safely.
Ketamine and LSD: Dolphin Flipping
Taking ketamine in combination with LSD can create an intense psychedelic experience depending on how much you consume, as both substances can produce visual effects at moderate and higher doses. Regardless of dosage, one can generally expect muscle relaxation and the sensation of heaviness throughout the body. A little bit of ketamine goes a long way in this combination. It’s best to start low and go slow, and ensure you have a safe place to sit down and relax in case you don’t feel energized or the visuals become intense. However, one study looking at polydrug use in party settings reports1 that in some circumstances ketamine and LSD can make people feel active2 .
Ketamine and MDMA: Kitty Flip
The combination of MDMA and ketamine is reported to provide euphoric and potentially dissociative effects.
Combining ketamine and MDMA can induce visuals and a warming body high. People report3 seeing intensified colors, floating above their bodies, and a dissolution of their sense of self. Some people report that they feel a bliss that is often ineffable. Ketamine may also counteract some of MDMA’s physiological effects, such as a clenched jaw, anxiety, and jittery feelings. In some cases, people take ketamine several hours into their “roll,” or experience, in order to mitigate the comedown effects of the MDMA. The effects of this experience can be anywhere from 4-6 hours, or longer with larger doses.
Ketamine and Cocaine: Calvin Klein
Consuming ketamine and cocaine is sometimes known as “CK” or Calvin Klein. People either combine both powders together or consume them in succession through insufflation. Cocaine is a stimulant that acts on the central and peripheral nervous systems. This leads some users to feel a noticeable mood boost, while also increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties, primarily acting on a neurotransmitter in the brain called glutamate. Together, CK creates a flood of dopamine in the brain.
According to some users4 , this drug combination can create a dreamy, euphoric boost of energy and an intense high. Some people say they feel a profound rush when they consume both. Others say they experience elements of both substances and oscillate between feeling energetic and pleasurably dissociated.
Cocaine can also break through the fog of ketamine, making some users feel like they are thinking more sharply. For others, using CK allows for a more functional experience of ketamine. Ketamine also relaxes the muscles, which can be perceived as a benefit while using cocaine because it can reduce jaw clenching or teeth grinding. This can create the sensation of a softer cocaine high.
This combination can also be dangerous in high doses, potentially leading to heart problems, high blood pressure, strokes, other neurological complications, and in some cases can be fatal5 .
Ketamine and Alcohol
Alcohol can lead to intense nausea and discomfort when combined with ketamine. Some studies say it can be lethal, even in small amounts, according to the National Institute of Health6 . It can also lead to cirrhosis, cardiotoxicity, and respiratory depression7 among other bodily issues.