In a tragic turn of events, the autopsy report released on December 15 has revealed that Matthew Perry’s cause of death was associated with the “acute effects of ketamine” (Source: Healthline.) The beloved “Friends” actor was discovered unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28, with the medical examiner determining the cause of death as accidental.
Perry, 54, had recently undergone ketamine therapy for depression, sparking concerns about the safety of the drug. Ketamine, typically a short-term anesthetic, is increasingly used off-label to treat treatment-resistant depression and various mental health conditions. However, its overdose can lead to severe complications, including heart issues, dangerously low breathing, and loss of consciousness.
The autopsy report also identified drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine – a medication approved for opioid use disorder – as contributing factors in Perry’s untimely death. Despite his recent ketamine infusion therapy, the medical examiner ruled out the administered ketamine as a cause, given its relatively short half-life.
Ketamine therapy, despite its safety under professional guidance, has come under scrutiny following Perry’s demise. The dissociative anesthetic hallucinogen, known for its ability to create a sense of detachment from pain and surroundings, is approved for short-acting anesthesia in both humans and animals.
Dr. Walavan Sivakumar, a neurosurgeon and director of neurosurgery at Pacific Neuroscience Institute-South Bay, emphasized that when used appropriately in clinical settings, ketamine is a safe and effective medication. However, concerns prompted the FDA to issue a warning about ketamine clinics in October 2023, citing worries about potential adverse effects during treatment.
Perry’s death serves as a somber reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health treatments and the importance of careful monitoring in therapeutic interventions. As the industry grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident, experts stress the need for continued research, regulation, and awareness to ensure the safe administration of treatments like ketamine therapy, maintaining a delicate balance between innovation and patient well-being.
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