Matthew Perry’s Autopsy Report Reveals Ketamine as Cause of Death

December 16, 2023

The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office released an autopsy report over a month after the sudden death of “Friends” actor Matthew Perry. The report states that Perry died from the “acute effects” of ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic. Found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28, the autopsy report also cited drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of an opioid, buprenorphine, as contributing factors to his death at the age of 54.

Understanding Ketamine: Uses and Controversies

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine, initially used as an animal anaesthetic in the 1960s and later approved for human use by the US Food and Drug Administration, is a dissociative anaesthetic hallucinogen. It induces a feeling of detachment from pain and the surrounding environment. In recent years, ketamine has gained attention for its use in treating depression and other mental health issues.

Consumption of Ketamine

Patients receiving ketamine for mental health purposes typically take it through IV, nasal spray, or tablets once or twice a week over six to eight weeks. Recreational users, often referred to as clubgoers, may snort a crystalline powder, inject, or smoke the drug.

Effects of Ketamine

Reported effects of ketamine include pleasant visualizations and a sense of detachment, often described as a reset button for the brain. It interacts with brain receptors not targeted by traditional antidepressants. At higher doses, users may experience difficulty moving, numbness, and vivid hallucinations, referred to as the “k-hole.”

Safety Concerns Surrounding Ketamine

Medicinal Use

While some doctors emphasize the safety and effectiveness of ketamine when used medicinally in the correct doses, there are concerns about addiction and chronic, high-dose usage leading to severe bladder damage and potential cognitive impairment.

Lack of Research

There is limited research on prolonged ketamine treatment, and the safety of extended use remains uncertain. Addiction and abuse among medical users also lack comprehensive literature.

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