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WEKU
Jaclyn Diaz

What is ketamine, the drug tied to actor Matthew Perry's death?

A vial of ketamine, captured in July 2018. Over the years, the drug has been used as a sedative as well as an alternative treatment for pain and depression. (Teresa Crawford/AP)

The use of the drug ketamine has evolved since its development in the 1960s as a human and animal anesthetic. Today, it's known both as a promising new treatment for severe depression and as a psychedelic party drug.

It's also now tied to the tragic death of Friends star Matthew Perry.

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