What Is Ketamine: Matthew Perry's Real Causes of Death Due to Acute Effect of Drug

Matthew Perry, 54, tragically succumbed to the "acute effects of ketamine," according to the autopsy results unveiled by the Los Angeles County medical examiner. Perry was found unresponsive at his Los Angeles home on October 28, floating face down in the heated end of the pool.

The autopsy report ruled his death as accidental, with contributing factors including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used for opioid use disorder, as per CBS News.

Matthew Perry's Death Spurs Concerns Over Mental Health

(Photo : Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 13: Actor Matthew Perry of the television show 'The Kennedys - After Camelot' speaks onstage during the REELZChannel portion of the 2017 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour at the Langham Hotel on January 13, 2017 in Pasadena, California

The death of Perry has brought attention to the possible risks associated with ketamine, a potent anesthetic that has become increasingly popular for its use in addressing mental health concerns. Although Perry had received ketamine infusion therapy, the elevated concentrations of the drug detected in his postmortem blood prompted apprehensions regarding respiratory depression and cardiovascular overstimulation, as stated in the autopsy report.

The hazards connected with have previously been the subject of an advisory from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) using compounded versions of ketamine to treat psychiatric disorders.

According to toxicology tests, it has been discovered that therapeutic levels of buprenorphine, a drug commonly utilized for addiction treatment and pain management, were present. According to Perry's assistant, it has been confirmed that he was prescribed buprenorphine and had been regularly visiting a psychiatrist.

The autopsy report has brought crucial information regarding Perry's last day to light. According to witnesses, it was reported that he engaged in a game of pickleball during the morning hours. However, upon his assistant's return from running errands in the afternoon, a distressing discovery was made - he was found floating face down in the pool.

Perry had been open about his struggles with substance abuse and health issues throughout his life. His 2022 memoir detailed various health challenges, including pneumonia, an exploded colon, and multiple stomach surgeries.The autopsy mentioned Perry's history of drug use but noted that he had been clean for 19 months before his death, according to The New York Post.

Private Funeral for Matthew Perry

A private funeral was held on November 3, attended by family and friends. The medical examiner's office confirmed the manner of Perry's death as accidental, citing drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine as contributing factors.

Matthew Perry's sudden death prompted tributes from fans and fellow "Friends" cast members. The sitcom, which ran for ten seasons from 1994 to 2004, became a cultural phenomenon, earning Perry and his co-stars $1 million per episode.

Perry's struggles with mental health and addiction underscore the difficulties people in the entertainment sector encounter. His openness about his journey aimed to destigmatize mental health issues and addiction.

While Perry's legacy as Chandler Bing in "Friends" remains iconic, his untimely death has sparked conversations about the intersection of fame, mental health, and the challenges individuals may encounter, even after overcoming addiction.

In the ongoing investigations surrounding Perry's death, His sudden death is a heartbreaking reminder of the intricate nature of mental health and substance abuse. It clarifies the pressing need to address these issues on a larger societal level and work towards destigmatization, USA Today reported.