An investigation into the tragic death of actor Matthew Perry has uncovered a disturbing chain of events involving the misuse of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic. Prosecutors have indicted five individuals, including two doctors and a street dealer, for their roles in contributing to Perry's fatal ketamine overdose in October.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a potent anesthetic approved by U.S. health regulators for surgical use. It can be administered via intramuscular injection or intravenously. This drug, a chemical relative of the recreational drug PCP, is known for its euphoric effects, hallucinogenic properties, and potential impacts on breathing and heart function.
Matthew Perry's Ketamine Use
Ketamine has gained popularity in recent years as an off-label treatment for depression, anxiety, and pain. Despite lacking official approval for these conditions, doctors can prescribe ketamine for such purposes. Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression under medical supervision. However, when his doctors declined to provide additional doses, he resorted to illicit sources, including a network involving two doctors, his assistant, and a figure referred to as the 'Ketamine Queen.'
Perry's assistant, who has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, administered the drug to the actor multiple times, including on the day of his passing. Prosecutors emphasized that this was not a case of legitimate ketamine treatment but rather a misuse of medical licenses that endangered Perry's life.
Other Uses of Ketamine
Besides its medical applications, ketamine has been utilized by paramedics as a sedative, particularly in conjunction with law enforcement interventions for individuals deemed unruly. However, concerns over the safety of this practice have emerged, with some states and agencies reevaluating its use. The tragic death of Elijah McClain in Colorado in 2019, resulting from a ketamine overdose administered by paramedics, prompted scrutiny and legal consequences for those involved.
An investigation by The Associated Press revealed a concerning trend of administering ketamine and other sedatives to individuals detained by police across the nation over the past 15 years. This practice, founded on questionable scientific grounds and supported by law enforcement-affiliated experts, has raised significant ethical and safety issues.
