Dissociatives

Comprehensive Substance Reference & Harm Reduction Guide

Dissociatives

GUIDE-WIDE SAFETY NOTICE: This guide is for recognition, harm-reduction, and emergency-reference purposes. Appearance alone cannot reliably identify a substance. Counterfeit pills, powders, vapes, edibles, and street mixtures may contain unexpected drugs. Do not taste, smell closely, burn, or handle an unknown substance to identify it. If poisoning is possible, contact Poison Control (U.S. 1-800-222-1222) or 911 for severe symptoms.

6. Dissociatives

Substance	Appearance, Route & Intoxication	Physical Side Effects	Severe Toxicity / Overdose & Response
Ketamine	Fine white powder, crystals, medical solution. Snorted, injected, oral. Nystagmus, numbness, slurred speech, dissociation.	Nausea/vomiting, dizziness, numbness, increased heart rate/BP, poor coordination; bladder damage with chronic use.	Overdose: Deep unresponsiveness, vomiting/aspiration, severe confusion, respiratory depression. Response: Protect the airway and protect the person from falls. 911 for unresponsiveness or breathing problems.
PCP (Phencyclidine)	White/yellow powder, liquid, dipped cigarettes. Smoked, snorted, swallowed, injected. Nystagmus, rigid muscles, blank stare, agitation.	High BP, increased heart rate, nystagmus, muscle rigidity, sweating, numbness, poor coordination.	Overdose: Seizures, dangerous hypertension, severe agitation, catatonia, psychosis, hyperthermia. Response: 911. Avoid confrontation, reduce stimulation, ensure safety.
DXM (Dextromethorphan)	OTC cough syrups, gels, tablets. Oral. Slurred speech, euphoria, double vision, dissociation.	Nausea/vomiting, dizziness, sweating, increased heart rate/BP, blurred vision.	Overdose: Severe confusion, vomiting, rapid heart rate, respiratory depression, serotonin syndrome. Response: Poison Control for excess; 911 for severe tachycardia, seizures, or breathing trouble.
Nitrous Oxide	Metal chargers, tanks, balloons. Inhaled. Brief euphoria, lightheadedness, distorted perception.	Dizziness, tingling/numbness, headache, nausea; heavy use causes B12 nerve damage.	Overdose: Hypoxia, asphyxia, loss of consciousness, falls/injury. Response: Move to fresh air. 911 if unconscious or breathing abnormally.
Designer Dissociatives (3-MeO-PCP, 2-FDCK, DCK)	Powders or liquids. Variable routes. Dissociation, confusion, agitation, nystagmus.	Fast heart rate, high BP, numbness, poor coordination, nystagmus, nausea.	Overdose: Severe agitation, psychosis, high BP, seizures, coma. Response: 911 for severe symptoms. Low-stimulation environment, protect from injury.