Medical Dialogues

WHAT IS KETAMINE THAT LED TO MATTHEW PERRY'S DEATH?

The autopsy report from the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office, which was released more than a month after the untimely death of comic actor Matthew Perry, attributes his death to a ketamine overdose.
On October 28, Perry, 54, was discovered unconscious in his pool, "floating face down in the heated end," according to the report. Drowning, coronary artery disease, and the use of the opioid addiction treatment drug buprenorphine were all contributing factors.
WHAT IS KETAMINE?
Ketamine is classified as a hallucinogen by the US Drug Enforcement Administration. Because it induces a sense of dissociation from pain and surroundings, it is known as a "dissociative anaesthetic hallucinogen.".
In the 1960s, ketamine was first used as an animal anaesthetic. In 1970, the FDA authorised it for use as a human anaesthetic. An emergency department physician at Providence St. Joseph Medical Centre named Angelique Campen describes how the drug contributed to the actor's demise.
HOW IS KETAMINE USED?
Ketamine is used medically as an anesthetic and for pain management. It also shows promise in treating depression and PTSD. Recreational use poses health risks and legal consequences.
SIDE EFFECTS OF KETAMINE
Ketamine's side effects include nausea, an increased heart rate, and hallucinations. Prolonged or improper use can lead to confusion, addiction, and bladder issues. Medical supervision is crucial to mitigating these risks.
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