Matthew Perry, renowned for his role in the popular TV show Friends, tragically passed away due to a fatal overdose of Ketamine. This incident raises concerns about the potential harm caused by this particular drug. To gain a better understanding of its dangers, here is a comprehensive overview.
Dr. Shaunak Ajinkya, a Consultant Psychiatrist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, emphasizes that the use of this therapeutic and controlled intervention is completely safe. However, it is important to note that the risk only arises when it is used without authorization.
Reports have indicated that Matthew Perry, known for his role in Friends, passed away due to the “acute effects” of ketamine. Ketamine is commonly used in anesthesia and certain antidepressants, but it is also known to be used as a recreational drug by individuals involved in substance abuse.
According to the reports, Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression, receiving treatments every other day for a period of time. However, he had recently reduced his intake, with his last known infusion occurring a week and a half before his death. The Los Angeles County medical examiner stated in the report that a possible ketamine overdose could have led to “cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.” It is worth noting that Perry had diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which may have further complicated his breathing and airflow due to the drug’s effects.
Dr. Shaunak Ajinkya, a Consultant Psychiatrist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, explains that in India, this particular drug is classified as a Schedule X drug. This classification indicates that it is subject to strict control and is closely monitored by the prescribing doctor on a case-by-case basis. However, when used as a therapeutic intervention under proper authorization, it is considered safe. The potential risks arise only when it is used without proper authorization.
Calvin L Stevens, an American chemist, successfully synthesized ketamine in his laboratory in 1962. Initially, it was utilized as an anesthetic for both animals and humans in the late 1960s, particularly during surgeries conducted in the Vietnam war. Ketamine is derived from a hallucinogenic drug known as Phencyclidine (PCP). Its mechanism of action involves blocking the NMDA receptor in the brain and spinal cord, while simultaneously increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called glutamate. In simpler terms, this process interrupts the transmission of pain signals in the spinal cord and activates the brain’s reward pathways. Consequently, ketamine has been employed in the management of pain. However, in recent years, it has also shown promise as a novel treatment for severe depression due to its euphoric effects. As a result, it has been prescribed to help patients overcome their depressive episodes.
What makes it susceptible to substance abuse?
The substance induces a state of dissociation, leading individuals to experience hallucinations and an altered sense of reality, commonly referred to as a “K-hole.” Due to its transparent nature, it cannot be easily detected, and even the white powder form can be readily dissolved. Consequently, it has been exploited as a drug for date rape. Presently, it is even accessible in the form of a nasal spray.
What are the effects of a ketamine overdose on the heart and other organs? Ketamine, being a relaxant, can cause complications in breathing, resulting in shallow breaths and potential collapse of the lungs. This puts additional strain on the heart, leading to an increased heart rate and blood pressure. However, if the arteries are already compromised, they may not be able to keep up with the increased demands, leading to a sudden cardiac arrest. Ketamine is also toxic to the urinary bladder and liver. When taken in unregulated high doses, it can even contribute to the development of schizophrenia and drug dependence. Fatalities are more likely when ketamine is combined with alcohol, as was possibly the case with Perry.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health made a significant discovery in 2006 regarding the effectiveness of ketamine in treating depression. They found that administering ketamine intravenously could provide relief from severe depression within a few hours, which was a remarkable improvement compared to other available treatments. Building on this breakthrough, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took a step forward in 2019 by approving a nasal spray and the first-ever antidepressant derived from ketamine. This recognition further validates the potential of ketamine as a valuable tool in combating depression.
