By - Akhilesh Sharma Work - Educator(Exp 15 Years)
Ketamine and Matthew Perry: Uses and Risks
A vial of ketamine, photographed in July 2018, has been utilized both as a sedative and as an alternative remedy for pain and depression over the years. Originally developed in the 1960s as an anesthetic for humans and animals, ketamine has evolved into a potential treatment for severe depression and a recreational psychedelic drug. The unfortunate passing of Friends star Matthew Perry has been attributed to the acute effects of ketamine, as revealed in the actor's autopsy report. Perry, aged 54, accidentally drowned at his residence in Los Angeles.
Ketamine, recognized for its efficacy in treating severe depression, gained attention in 2006 when National Institutes of Health research demonstrated its rapid relief effects compared to traditional antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft. Dr. Martin Teicher of Harvard Medical School considered these new applications of ketamine a significant breakthrough in psychiatry.
In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration approved Spravato, a nasal spray and the first ketamine-based antidepressant. Despite its rapid action, ketamine's effects diminish after a few days or weeks, according to research.
Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety, with the most recent infusion occurring a week and a half before his demise. The autopsy report suggested that the ketamine used in therapy was unlikely to be the cause of death, given its short half-life in the body.
The circumstances surrounding Perry's receipt of additional ketamine in the hours leading to his death remain unclear.
Scientific investigations continue to explore alternative uses of ketamine for psychiatric issues such as substance use disorders and PTSD. Recent studies have even explored ways to extend ketamine's benefits, such as administering the drug to individuals engaging in self-esteem-boosting computer games after infusion.
Ketamine, popularly used at parties and clubs for its ability to induce "out of body" experiences and hallucinations, poses risks such as amnesia, seizures, and unconsciousness if overdosed. The Drug Enforcement Administration warns of dangerously slowed breathing. Fatalities are more likely when ketamine is combined with alcohol and can also be associated with accidental injuries or deaths, as observed in Perry's case.