Friends Star Matthew Perry Passes Away Due to Ketamine Overdose: Exploring the Dangers of the Drug.
The report indicates that coronary artery disease and the presence of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, were additional contributing factors.
Matthew Perry's cause of death, as revealed in the autopsy results, was the acute effects of the anesthetic ketamine. The 54-year-old "**Friends**" actor passed away from these effects, according to the released findings.
According to the autopsy report from the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, Matthew Perry also drowned in the heated end of his pool. However, this was considered a secondary factor in his death on October 28, which was deemed an accident.
Also Read...Tragic Loss: 7 Critical Insights into Matthew Perry’s Untimely Demise Linked to Ketamine
The autopsy report indicates that coronary artery disease and buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, also played a role in Matthew Perry's death. Perry, who was found unresponsive at his home in Los Angeles, was declared dead on October 28.
Despite having a history of drug use, the report notes that he had been "reportedly clean for 19 months.
Perry had undergone ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety, with his last treatment occurring 1 1/2 weeks before his death.
Earlier in the day, Perry had engaged in a game of pickleball, as reported. Upon returning from errands, his assistant, who shares a residence with him, discovered him face down in the pool.
During the investigation, the assistant informed authorities that Perry hadn't been unwell, hadn't voiced any health concerns, and hadn't displayed signs of recent alcohol or drug use.
Perry had been candid about his struggles with addiction, tracing back to his time on the television series "Friends" in the 1990s. In his 2022 memoir, he shared, "I cherished every aspect of the show, but I was grappling with my addictions, which only intensified my feelings of shame. I harbored a secret, and I couldn't let anyone in on it.
The Big Terrible Thing-
Friends," the iconic show that depicted the lives of six New Yorkers navigating the challenges of adulthood, dating, and careers, gained a massive global following.
However, despite the on-screen success and financial prosperity, Matthew Perry was grappling with personal struggles. Amid delivering laughs on air, he battled addiction to painkillers and alcohol, leading him to seek help at multiple rehabilitation clinics. In 2018, he faced a health crisis with a burst colon, attributed to drug use, and underwent several surgeries.
In his memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing," published the previous year, Perry candidly shared his journey through detox numerous times, dedicating the book to all of the sufferers out there" and acknowledging, "I should be dead." He revealed a mostly sober lifestyle since 2001, with occasional setbacks.
The examiner's report, detailing Perry's tragic death, did not specify the circumstances or timing of the fatal ketamine dose. However, trace amounts were found in his stomach, and prescription medications and loose pills were discovered at his home.
Although Perry was undergoing medical treatment involving ketamine, the last known infusion was more than a week before his death, ruling out that dose as a factor.
The report highlighted elevated levels of ketamine in his blood, comparable to those used in surgeries as general anesthetic, causing heart overstimulation and respiratory issues.
This overstimulation might have led to Perry losing consciousness, with drowning subsequently contributing to his death. His pre-existing conditions, including coronary artery disease and the use of buprenorphine for severe pain, heightened his vulnerability to ketamine's effects.
The autopsy report found no alcohol in his system and no traces of other drugs like cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl.
In 2006, researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that an intravenous dose of ketamine could relieve severe depression in a matter of hours, compared to other remedies. In 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a nasal spray and the first antidepressant based on ketamine.
HOW IS KETAMINE EFFECTIVE IN DEPRESSION?
Ketamine has shown effectiveness in treating depression through a unique mechanism of action. Traditionally used as an anesthetic, ketamine has gained attention for its rapid and robust antidepressant effects. Here's how ketamine is thought to be effective in depression:
1. NMDA Receptor Modulation: Ketamine primarily works by blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain. By doing so, it influences the release of neurotransmitters like glutamate. This modulation is believed to play a crucial role in alleviating depressive symptoms.
2. Rapid Onset of Action: Unlike many traditional antidepressants that may take weeks to show effects, ketamine often works within hours to alleviate symptoms. This rapid onset of action is particularly significant for individuals experiencing severe depression or those at risk of self-harm.
3. Synaptic Plasticity: Ketamine has been shown to promote synaptic plasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to form new neural connections. This effect may contribute to the long-lasting antidepressant effects observed in some individuals.
4. BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) Release: Ketamine is thought to increase the release of BDNF, a protein that supports the survival and growth of neurons. Low levels of BDNF are associated with depression, and the increase in BDNF may contribute to the antidepressant effects of ketamine.
5. Glutamate-GABA System Balance: Ketamine affects the balance between glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter) systems. This modulation is believed to play a role in mood regulation.
It's important to note that while ketamine has shown promise, especially for treatment-resistant depression, its long-term effects and potential risks are still being studied. Additionally, the use of ketamine in depression treatment is often done under controlled and supervised conditions, such as in a clinical setting. Patients considering ketamine treatment for depression should consult with their healthcare providers to discuss the potential benefits and risks.
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