A doctor has explained the devastating effects high quantities of ketamine can have on the body after it was revealed Matthew Perry was given 27 shots of the drug in the three days before his death.
On October 28, 2023, Matthew Perry was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home at the age of 54.
He died of 'acute effects of ketamine,' his autopsy report ruled, while subsequent drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine - used to treat opioid use disorder - were listed as contributing factors.
Now, a new Peacock documentary, Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy, has lifted the lid on the Friends stars' final months and the ongoing investigation into his death.
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Five people were charged in connection with Perry's death, with three having pleaded guilty for their involvement.
Drug dealer Jasveen Sangha - dubbed the 'Ketamine Queen' by authorities - and Dr. Salvador Plasencia both pleaded not guilty, but are accused of supplying Perry with the drugs that resulted in his death.
They face trial on March 4 and could each face at least 10 years in prison if found guilty.
US Attorney Martin Estrada oversaw the case before resigning from his position in January. In the hour-long documentary, he reveals Perry had received 27 doses of ketamine leading up to his death from 'people who should have known much better'.
Effects of ketamine on the body
Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, spoke to UNILAD about the terrible impact taking such a large quantity of ketamine can have on the body.
The drug is a dissociative anaesthetic, regularly used in both medical and veterinary settings.
It's even been explored to treat mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.
Controlled, 'low doses' can help with 'relaxation' and 'pain relief,' Wylie explains. But take too much, and it has the opposite effect and can greatly impact our health.
"Administering multiple doses in a short period significantly increases the risks associated with ketamine," Wylie warns.
"Based on general medical knowledge of its effects, higher cumulative doses can lead to severe dissociation, perceptual disturbances, confusion, and impaired consciousness," she explains.
In 'extreme cases,' excessive use may result in breathing problems, cardiovascular complications, and 'a risk of fatality.'
Five shots of ketamine
Administering multiple doses in a short period can 'significantly increase these risks,' Wylie warns.
"After approximately five shots, a person might experience notable dissociation, perceptual distortions, and cognitive impairments."
Ten shots of ketamine
By ten shots, these symptoms could become 'more severe,' with hallucinations, confusion, and 'a higher risk of losing consciousness,' Wylie warns.
27 shots of ketamine
Receiving 27 shots within a brief timeframe is 'extremely dangerous,' Wylie explains.
There's a 'high likelihood' of respiratory depression - also known as hypoventilation - where people start breathing too slow and shallow, causing the body's carbon dioxide levels to rise. This causes a buildup of acid and too little oxygen in the blood, making the person feel sleepy.
Moreover, 27 shots of ketamine could also induce 'cardiac complications' and 'fatality.'
Wylie resolves: "Ketamine should only be used under medical supervision in a controlled setting.
"Unregulated or excessive use significantly raises the risk of serious adverse effects, and patients should always discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare professional before considering ketamine treatment."
Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy is streaming now on Peacock.
If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can call American Addiction Centers on (313) 209-9137 24/7, or contact them through their website.
Topics: Celebrity, Drugs, Film and TV, Friends, Health, Hollywood, Matthew Perry, Mental Health
Ellie Kemp