Behind the Smiles and Headlines: What the Matthew Perry Autopsy Tells Us

– An article written by Shivani Gadre

Matthew Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing in the sitcom series “Friends,” which aired from 1994 to 2004, was discovered unresponsive on October 24, 2023, floating in his residence pool. This distressing revelation perplexed the global community, sparking various speculations about the potential reasons behind his passing.

The revelation in Matthew Perry’s autopsy report attributing his cause of death to the “acute effects of ketamine” has raised concerns and generated inquiries regarding the usage of this medication. The report indicates that Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy and had received an infusion just a week and a half before his demise. Additionally, the findings listed coronary artery disease, the effects of buprenorphine, and drowning as contributory factors leading to his death. Thus, there is curiosity surrounding this ‘fatal’ depression drug that played a role in Perry’s passing.

Autopsy Report Revelations:

• Cause of death: “Acute effects of ketamine,” with contributing factors listed as drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine (a medication for opioid use disorder).
• Ketamine levels: Higher than expected for typical infusion therapy, suggesting another method of administration in the days before his death.
• Drowning: Occurred in the “heated end” of his pool, considered a secondary factor in the death.
• Coronary artery disease: Pre-existing condition that may have been exacerbated by ketamine.

According to the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Ketamine therapy is employed to address conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, end-of-life distress, chronic pain, and substance abuse issues. Conversely, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration notes that Buprenorphine, detected in Perry’s system, is typically utilized in the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. Officials emphasized the high risk associated with using sedative drugs in settings like a pool or hot tub, especially when alone, and lamenting the tragic outcome in this particular case.

Ketamine, marketed as Ketalar, is a medical substance employed by doctors to induce anesthesia and alleviate pain during surgical procedures. In the United States, Ketamine is legally obtainable only through a doctor’s prescription. However, due to its dissociative effects, some individuals misuse it by inhaling, injecting, blending it with beverages, or smoking it alongside other substances. According to StatPearls, an online resource from the National Library of Medicine of US, there has been recent exploration into the use of ketamine as a treatment for depression in cases where conventional therapies have proven ineffective.

While ketamine has a long history of medical use in anesthesia, its ability to induce heightened consciousness has resulted in widespread abuse. Illegally, it is frequently combined with other substances, particularly in party or rave settings. When injected, its effects are rapid, taking seconds or minutes, while snorting it involves a somewhat longer onset time, typically around 5-15 minutes.

Abusing ketamine can lead to severe consequences. High doses have the potential to induce life-threatening respiratory depression by significantly slowing down breathing. Additionally, common side effects of ketamine misuse include muscle weakness and spasms.

The passing of Matthew Perry has deeply affected us, and our thoughts are with him as we wish for him to find a place of safety and peace.