Unveiling the Deadly Impact of Ketamine: Matthew Perry's Tragic Demise

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has determined that the acute effects of ketamine, along with other contributing factors such as drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, led to the death of "Friends" star Matthew Perry. Perry had a history of drug use but was reportedly clean for 19 months. He was receiving ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects and is used as an injectable anesthetic and nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. While ketamine is often stigmatized as a party drug, it has been recognized as a fast-acting antidepressant in controlled medical settings for those unresponsive to conventional medications.