Matthew Perry’s cause of death has been confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, revealing that he died from the “acute effects of ketamine.” The “Friends” star was found dead due to an apparent drowning at his California home, and the autopsy report indicated that the drug likely made Perry unconscious, leading to drowning.
In the report, the autopsy found several contributing factors to Perry’s death, including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, used to treat opioid use disorder.
Perry had reportedly been clean for 19 months and was receiving ketamine infusion therapy. In his 2022 memoir, he wrote about his experience with the therapy, which he used to “ease pain and help with depression.” Perry described the process of receiving the ketamine, using phrases like “giant happy shovel,” and the experience of disassociation and hallucinations.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects and has been approved by the FDA as an anesthetic for humans and animals. Ketamine therapy typically uses the drug to treat mental illnesses.
The report also states that Perry’s last known ketamine infusion therapy session was only one and a half weeks before his death, meaning that the ketamine found in his system could not have been from the therapy.
Perry’s case has brought attention to ketamine therapy’s effects and the potential risks associated with the drug when used recreationally. It’s unclear how ketamine improves symptoms of mental health conditions, but it is known to work by boosting feel-good chemicals and helping form new pathways in the brain.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner’s Office investigation continues as the public mourns the loss of the beloved actor.
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