Ketazocine (INN), also known as ketocyclazocine, is a benzomorphan derivative used in opioid receptor research. Ketocyclazocine is an exogenous opioid that binds to the kappa opioid receptor.
Activation of this receptor causes a decrease in pain sensations and increased sleepiness but can also cause psychological symptoms such as feelings of unease, paranoia, and hallucinations. It also causes an increase in urine production because it inhibits the release of vasopressin. (Vasopressin is an endogenous substance that assists in regulating fluid and electrolyte balance in the body and decreases the amount of water released into the urine.)
Unlike other opioids, substances that only bind to the kappa receptor theoretically do not impair the normal drive to breathe.
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