Ketamine, a drug first developed in the 1960s, has recently been thrust into the spotlight following the tragic overdose death of actor Matthew Perry.
Still Investigating
Matthew Perry, renowned for his role on "Friends," died on October 28, 2023, due to an apparent overdose involving ketamine.
The actor was found to have ketamine in his system following his death. While specific details about the duration of Perry's ketamine use and who administered the drug to him remain unclear, early reports indicate that his personal assistant has been implicated in providing the substance.
The reasons for Perry's use of ketamine have not been thoroughly explained. Ketamine, a drug initially developed as an anesthetic, is sometimes used off-label for mental health issues or recreationally. Its misuse carries significant risks, including severe health consequences.
Also Known as Angel Dust
Accordng to 20minotus the synthetic substance, which led to Perry’s death, is well-known for its medical applications as an anesthetic and analgesic.
Originally designed for safe anesthesia, ketamine belongs to a class of drugs known as arylcyclohexylamines and is a derivative of phencyclidine (PCP), often referred to as "angel dust."
Although it was created as a safer alternative to PCP, ketamine's use has expanded beyond medical settings into recreational abuse, where it has become a potent and dangerous substance.
In medical environments, ketamine is employed as an anesthetic for both surgical procedures and veterinary medicine, particularly for large animals like horses. Its ability to induce anesthesia without compromising respiratory function makes it valuable in emergency situations and for patients at risk of low blood pressure.
Used to Treat Depression?
Recently, ketamine has also gained attention for its potential in treating depression. Controlled studies have shown that it can offer rapid relief from depressive symptoms under medical supervision. However, it has a high potential for psychological dependence, leading users to seek increasingly larger doses.
Outside controlled settings, ketamine is misused in various forms, including as a diluted ingredient in certain medications or as a powdered substance. Users typically inhale or inject the drug to achieve its powerful dissociative effects. T
hese effects include altered perceptions of time and space, depersonalization, and, at higher doses, a profound detachment from one's environment and body.
The substance's potent disassociative properties can lead to intense psychedelic experiences and, in severe cases, pose risks such as respiratory arrest or near-death experiences.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice has highlighted ketamine's misuse in sexual assault cases, where it is used to incapacitate victims, either by spiking drinks or offering it directly.
