The Los Angeles County, California medical examiner’s office released an autopsy report on Friday, December 15, revealing that actor Matthew Perry, known for his role in the television series “Friends,” died due to the “acute effects” of ketamine. Perry, 54, was discovered unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28.
Ketamine, an anesthetic with psychedelic properties, is often used in alternative mental health therapies. It is known for treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD and has a history of recreational use.
According to the report, Perry was receiving ketamine infusion therapy. However, the level of ketamine found in his system exceeded the expected amount from his last treatment, conducted about ten days earlier. Other factors contributing to Perry’s death from drowning were identified as coronary artery disease and the effects of the opioid buprenorphine, a common treatment for opioid addiction.
The autopsy indicated that Perry’s ketamine concentration was akin to levels used in general anesthesia. Typically, ketamine is metabolized within hours, hinting at its administration close to the time of his death, possibly outside a clinical setting.
The use of ketamine in medical settings, particularly for treatment-resistant depression, has gained attention. In 2019, the FDA approved a ketamine-based nasal spray for this purpose. Clinical trials show promising antidepressant effects in about half of the patients, though side effects like dissociation, dizziness, nausea, and heightened heart rate or blood pressure exist, with rare cases of hallucinations or mania.
Recreational ketamine use carries significant risks, including detachment, hallucinations, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. Long-term effects can be severe, such as tolerance, withdrawal syndrome, cognitive impairments, and addiction. Mixing ketamine with substances like buprenorphine can amplify its effects, leading to dangerous outcomes.
Perry had openly discussed his addiction struggles, starting after a jet ski accident in 1997, and was known for supporting others facing similar issues. His co-star Jennifer Aniston reported Perry appeared happy and healthy hours before his death.
The medical examiner ruled Perry’s death as accidental, highlighting the complexities and risks associated with ketamine use, both therapeutically and recreationally.
