Much-loved FRIENDS star Chandler, aka Matthew Perry's death, came as a rude shock to many. Officials determined the cause of death for the 54-year-old actor as the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning listed as a contributing factor. The levels of ketamine found in his system were far beyond what is typically used in therapeutic settings.
In a major development, Jasveen Sangha, also known as 'Ketamine Queen,' has been sentenced to 15 years after she pleaded guilty last year to selling a fatal dose of ketamine to the actor.
What is Ketamine and why is it used?
According to Johns Hopkins University, Ketamine was developed in the 1960s and used as a battlefield anaesthetic in the Vietnam War. The drug has gained attention for its medical use in treating depression.
More recently, Ketamine has been explored as a treatment for severe depression and mental health disorders, often administered in controlled doses under strict supervision. However, its increasing availability has also led to misuse, raising concerns among medical professionals.
The ill effects of Ketamine on the body
Ketamine can increase heart rate and blood pressure. In high doses, it may lead to irregular heart rhythms or even cardiac arrest, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
“Blood pressure surges with ketamine, and that can set off cardiac arrest," says Dr Pat Fehling, a psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist to UCHealth.
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Ketamine tends to make people woozy and can lead to nausea. Experts say many people have very surreal, dissociative experiences while they are going through ketamine treatments, which makes it imperative to have medical supervision.
Ketamine can become addictive for people who have a history of addiction to other substances, like alcohol and other drugs, Fehling said. As per UCHealth, the dissociative effects of ketamine usually last a few hours.
Perry’s case has drawn attention to a broader public health issue—the misuse of prescription and therapeutic drugs. Experts stress the importance of regulated administration, patient screening, and ongoing monitoring.
For more information, consult a health expert.