Matthew Perry death on October 28, 2023, left fans devastated and sparked widespread questions—not only about his struggles but also about the drug found to have played a central role in his passing: ketamine.
The beloved Friends actor was found unresponsive in his hot tub, and according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, he died from the “acute effects of ketamine”, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine (a medication for opioid addiction) listed as contributing factors.
But what is ketamine? Why is it used? And how could it turn deadly in this context? Discover the truth behind Matthew Perry Death.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a legal and FDA-approved anesthetic that has been used in medical settings for decades—especially in emergency surgery, battlefield injuries, and veterinary medicine. More recently, it has gained popularity in mental health clinics across the U.S. as a treatment for severe, treatment-resistant depression.
In 2006, research from the National Institute of Mental Health found that ketamine could have rapid antidepressant effects. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which take weeks to work, ketamine could relieve depressive symptoms within hours—and its effects can last days or even weeks.
As of 2019, a nasal spray version of ketamine called Spravato (esketamine) was approved by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression.
Why Was Matthew Perry Using Ketamine?
Matthew Perry, who had a well-documented history of addiction and recovery, had been receiving ketamine infusion therapy to treat anxiety and depression. This is not uncommon; many clinics now offer off-label ketamine treatments for mood disorders under professional supervision.
However, Perry’s autopsy report revealed levels of ketamine far higher than expected for medical use, and most notably, the ketamine was found in his stomach, suggesting oral ingestion, not a medically supervised infusion.
Additionally, the report clarified that his last known ketamine treatment session was more than a week before his death, ruling out that dose as the source. Given that ketamine typically clears the system within 3–4 hours, authorities concluded the dose in his system at the time of death came from non-medical use.
How Can Ketamine Be Dangerous?
While ketamine is generally safe when administered in a clinical setting, it carries real risks when used improperly or recreationally. Side effects can include:
- Dissociation (feeling disconnected from body or surroundings)
- Hallucinations
- Respiratory depression
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Impaired judgment or physical mobility
In high doses or when combined with other substances (like opioids, alcohol, or sedatives), it can become life-threatening. If someone with underlying conditions—like Perry’s coronary artery disease—uses a high dose of ketamine unsupervised, it can overstimulate the heart while depressing breathing, leading to fatal consequences.
What made Perry’s case even more tragic was the fact that he was in a hot tub—a potentially hazardous environment for someone under the influence of a dissociative drug. Experts say being in water while sedated poses a serious risk of drowning, even if the user doesn’t lose consciousness.
Is Ketamine Addictive?
Ketamine has potential for recreational abuse, particularly among users seeking the euphoric, detached state known as a “K-hole”—a dissociative state that can mimic near-complete sensory detachment. Some people snort or inject it recreationally, often unaware of the risks, especially when the drug is not tested for contaminants like fentanyl.
Repeated use can lead to tolerance, dependence, urinary tract damage, and cognitive impairment.
Should People Avoid Ketamine for Mental Health Treatment?
Most physicians agree: no, but with an important caveat.
When used correctly under medical supervision, ketamine has shown lifesaving potential for patients with depression, PTSD, or suicidal ideation. Many patients who turn to ketamine do so after exhausting all other treatment options.
But Perry’s death is a sobering reminder of what can happen when boundaries between medical use and recreational or unsupervised use become blurred. According to Dr. Michael Bottros of USC, ketamine therapy remains an important tool in psychiatry, but it must be administered carefully, in a controlled environment, and at appropriate doses.
Lessons from Matthew Perry Death
Perry’s story serves as both an inspiration and a warning.
Despite his public battle with addiction, he used his platform to speak openly about recovery, mental health, and hope. In his 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, he wrote candidly about the cost of addiction and the constant work of staying clean.
His tragic death reveals:
- The importance of monitoring “alternative” mental health treatments, especially as ketamine clinics become more widespread.
- The need for patient education around dosing, mixing drugs, and avoiding dangerous situations like being in water while sedated.
- The value of continued research and regulation of drugs like ketamine that straddle the line between therapeutic and recreational use.
Final Thoughts
Matthew Perry made millions laugh, but behind the sarcasm and wit of Chandler Bing was a man deeply committed to battling his demons and helping others do the same. His openness about his mental health struggles helped de-stigmatize therapy and addiction recovery.
Though ketamine may have helped him at times, its misapplication ultimately contributed to a tragedy that didn’t have to happen.
His legacy calls us to a deeper understanding: that even in healing, care, structure, and professional guidance matter—and that mental health treatments, no matter how promising, are never without risk.
