Matthew Perry’s cause of death was attributed to “acute effects of ketamine,” prompting experts to address misconceptions about the drug.
While ketamine is primarily an anesthetic, it has been used to treat depression and other conditions.
Experts emphasize that when used as prescribed, ketamine is generally not dangerous. (Trending: FBI Bribery Probe Caught Joe Biden’s Brother On Tape)
Lewis Nelson, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine and chief of medical toxicology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School said, “The concentration of ketamine found in Matthew Perry’s blood was sufficient to cause loss of consciousness and lack of responsiveness to external stimulation.”
“This explains why he slipped under the water and did not awaken,” he continued.
Adding, “Ketamine does not generally cause death from cardiac or respiratory effects, but rather from associated injury.”
Dr. Bankole Johnson owns a concierge medical facility that offers ketamine infusion therapy to help patients manage various conditions.
CEO and founder of Casa Privée in Miami,
He told Fox News Digital that in his opinion, Perry’s death likely was linked to recreational ketamine use, although he did not treat or examine the actor.
Experts shared with Fox News Digital the following common myths and misconceptions about the drug.
Dr. Patrick Sullivan, medical director of Initia Nova Medical Solutions revealed, “In reality, the drug has been used for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and pain for more than 10 years.”
“There are hundreds of studies showing it to be safe and effective in the outpatient setting,” explained Sullivan.
Ketamine is “legally recognized as having the potential for abuse and for both psychological and physical dependence,” according to the American Addiction Centers website.
Johnson highlighted that Ketamine is a “moderately addictive substance.”
“Even long-term users typically only develop a behavioral or psychological dependence,” continued the CEO and founder of Casa Privée in Miami.
Adding, “Physical dependence can occur, but usually the withdrawal signs are mild to moderate.”
Dr. Sandhya Prashad, president of the American Society Of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists and Practitioners (ASKP3) said there is “an extremely low risk of addiction, craving or withdrawal” when ketamine is used in low doses in a monitored clinical setting.
“Abuse of ketamine occurs when it is self-administered in high or frequent doses without supervision or monitoring, which leads to addiction,” she added.
“To use ketamine, it is important to establish a clear diagnosis of severe depression or anxiety and/or post-traumatic stress disorder,” Johnson explained.
“This requires an expert and cannot be self-diagnosed properly,” emphasized the doctor.
Stressing, “Abuse of ketamine occurs when it is self-administered in high or frequent doses without supervision or monitoring, which leads to addiction.”
“These can produce strong cardiac effects of a very high blood pressure and pulse, and can lead to serious medical complications,” said Johnson about black market ketamine.
They also dispel myths about its addictive potential, highlighting its safe and effective use in outpatient settings.
However, they caution against unsupervised use, emphasizing the importance of administration by licensed medical professionals due to the risk of addiction, tainted products, and dangerous interactions with other substances.
Overall, they stress the need for careful monitoring and controlled administration, especially in light of recent events.
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