Search Here

Last October, one of the most devastating deaths in the entertainment industry took over the internet. Matthew Perry, most known for his role as Chandler on the hit comedy show "Friends," passed away. Recent reports confirm that his death was due to the acute effects of ketamine, ruled an accidental death by the LA County Medical Examiner. Contributing factors included drowning, heart disease, and buprenorphine effects. 

Despite 19 months of sobriety, Perry had a history of drug use. He was on ketamine therapy for depression and anxiety, with his last session 1.5 weeks before passing. An autopsy found that ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, was in his system at 3,540 ng/ml, within anesthesia ranges. This tragic incident underscored the importance of understanding ketamine infusion therapy's complexities and its impact on individuals.

What is ketamine therapy?

Ketamine therapy involves the controlled and supervised use of ketamine, a medication primarily known as an anesthetic, in the treatment of various mental health conditions. Traditionally used as an anesthetic and for pain management, ketamine has gained attention for its potential to help with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD and other mood disorders.

In therapeutic settings, ketamine is administered in smaller doses than those used for anesthesia, often through intravenous infusion, nasal spray, or oral formulations. The effects are relatively faster than typical antidepressants, with some experiencing improvements within hours or days rather than weeks.

It is important to note that ketamine therapy is usually conducted under the guidance of a trained healthcare professional in a clinical setting. It's not considered a first-line treatment due to potential side effects and its potential for misuse. The therapeutic use of ketamine is an evolving area of study in mental health treatment, and ongoing research aims to better understand its efficacy, safety and long-term effects.