Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic 90s sitcom Friends, tragically passed away at the age of 54. The cause of his death has been confirmed to be the effects of ketamine. Let’s shed some light on this hallucinogen and what you need to know about it.

Ketamine: The Basics

Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic that has both sedative and hallucinogenic effects. It can induce a state of calmness, relief from pain, and amnesia. However, it also distorts sight and sound perception, making the user feel disconnected and out of control.

Originally approved as an anaesthetic in the 1970s, ketamine is now also used in low doses to treat various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It provides a short-term solution for these conditions.

Matthew Perry’s Journey with Ketamine

Before his passing, Matthew Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to combat his depression and anxiety. Even though his last treatment was over a week before his death, the ketamine found in his system could not have been from the therapy. Ketamine has a short half-life, meaning it leaves the body within a few hours.

Ketamine: A Party Drug with Risks

Besides its medical uses, ketamine is also a popular party drug. It can induce a relaxed and detached state, sometimes leading to out-of-body experiences. However, it is crucial to be aware of the dangers associated with it, especially when combined with other drugs. Ketamine can cause amnesia, seizures, and dangerously slow breathing.

Matthew Perry’s Experience with Ketamine

In his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry opened up about his encounter with ketamine. He explained that it was a popular street drug in the 1980s and now has both pain-relieving and antidepressant properties. However, he personally found the drug to be unsettling, as it made him feel disconnected and as though he was dying.

While ketamine can be a helpful tool in certain medical settings, it is essential to approach it with caution due to its potential risks. It’s crucial to work closely with medical professionals and follow their guidance when considering any treatments involving ketamine.