The Los Angeles County, California, medical examiner’s office disclosed an autopsy report on December 15, showing that actor Matthew Perry died from the “acute effects” of ketamine.
Perry, aged 54, was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home’s hot tub on October 28.
Ketamine, used both as an anesthetic and for its psychedelic properties, is increasingly applied in mental health treatments for depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and is also known for recreational use.
The report detailed that Perry was undergoing treatment with ketamine infusions. However, the ketamine concentration in his body at death was significantly above the level expected from his last treatment, which occurred roughly one and a half weeks prior.
In addition to the acute effects of ketamine, Perry’s drowning was also attributed to coronary artery disease and the impact of buprenorphine, an opioid commonly used in treating opioid dependency.
The autopsy findings suggested that the ketamine level in Perry’s body corresponded to dosages typically used for general anesthesia. Given that ketamine is usually metabolized within a few hours, this indicates administration closer to his time of death, likely outside of a medical setting.
Ketamine’s therapeutic application, especially for treatment-resistant depression, has been in the spotlight recently. The FDA approved a ketamine-based nasal spray in 2019. Clinical trials have demonstrated that around 50% of patients benefit from its antidepressant effects, though side effects such as dissociation, dizziness, nausea, and increased heart rate or blood pressure can occur, with rarer instances of hallucinations or mania.
The dangers of recreational ketamine use are significantly greater, including detachment, hallucinations, and escalated heart rate and blood pressure. Long-term effects can include tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, cognitive issues, and addiction. Combining ketamine with other substances like buprenorphine can dangerously enhance its effects.
Perry had been vocal about his addiction struggles, which began following a jet ski accident in 1997. He was involved in helping others with substance abuse issues, founding a facility for men with these challenges.
Jennifer Aniston, a co-star from “Friends,” said she communicated with Perry and he seemed well on the morning of his death.
The medical examiner ruled the death accidental, emphasizing the challenges and hazards of ketamine use, both in therapy and recreationally.