The death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry is linked to ketamine, a powerful anesthetic approved by U.S. health regulators for surgical use. The investigation has resulted in an indictment against five individuals, including two doctors and a street dealer, who allegedly contributed to Perry’s ketamine overdose in October.
Ketamine, while effective as an anesthetic, has been misused recreationally for its euphoric effects, leading to potential hallucinations and affecting cardiovascular and respiratory functions. In recent years, ketamine has gained popularity for off-label use in treating mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, although it is not formally approved for these purposes.
In Perry’s case, he was utilizing ketamine infusion therapy under medical supervision for depression but sought additional doses from illicit sources after his doctors refused his requests. Prosecutors revealed that Perry acquired the drug through a network involving medical professionals, including an assistant who has since pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. This assistant reportedly administered the drug to Perry multiple times, including on the day of his passing.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada commented on the situation, emphasizing the misuse of medical trust and licenses by the implicated doctors, stating, “We are not talking about legitimate ketamine treatment.”
Additionally, ketamine has been utilized by paramedics as a sedative in volatile situations, particularly in conjunction with police. However, recent scrutiny of this practice has arisen following a 2019 incident involving the death of Elijah McClain in Colorado, where paramedics were convicted of administering a ketamine overdose. An investigative report uncovered that the use of ketamine and similar sedatives by first responders during police detentions has become increasingly common over the past 15 years, often based on dubious scientific backing.