5 Things to Know About Matthew Perry’s Death

1. Using ketamine or undergoing ketamine treatments in a hot tub is a terrible idea.

Here’s why:

• Ketamine can induce a dissociative state, altering perception and impairing physical coordination. Being in a hot tub increases the risk of accidents, such as slipping, falling, or drowning. The combination of altered mental state and the environment’s potential hazards can be dangerous.
• Temperature Regulation: Ketamine may affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Hot tubs, which maintain elevated temperatures, can exacerbate this effect and lead to overheating or heat stroke. This combination may pose serious health risks, especially if someone is unable to recognize or respond to changes in their body temperature.
• Cardiovascular Strain: Both ketamine and hot tubs can have effects on cardiovascular function. Combining the two may increase the strain on the heart and circulatory system, potentially leading to adverse events such as increased blood pressure or irregular heartbeats.
• Increased Sedation: Ketamine is known for its sedative effects. Being in a hot tub can enhance the sedative properties, potentially causing excessive drowsiness or even loss of consciousness. This could increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Hydration Concerns: Hot tubs can contribute to dehydration due to increased sweating. Ketamine may also affect saliva production. Combining these factors could lead to dehydration, which is a concern for overall health and well-being.
• It’s crucial to emphasize that if someone is undergoing ketamine treatment, it should be administered in a controlled and supervised medical setting by qualified healthcare professionals. Self-administration of ketamine, especially in environments like hot tubs, is strongly discouraged due to the associated risks.

2. His Ketamine Infusion 1.5 weeks prior had nothing to do with his death.

• • The duration of the effects of ketamine can vary depending on factors such as the dose administered, individual metabolism, and the specific context in which it is used. Ketamine has a relatively short half-life, which means that it is eliminated from the body relatively quickly. The half-life of ketamine is around 2 to 3 hours. However, the psychoactive effects of ketamine may last for a shorter or longer duration than its elimination half-life. The acute effects of a ketamine infusion, such as altered perception, dissociation, and sedation, typically peak shortly after administration and then gradually subside. The duration of these effects can vary, but they often last for approximately 30 minutes to a couple of hours. It’s important to note that the duration of ketamine’s effects can also depend on the method of administration. For example, intravenous (IV) infusions may have a faster onset and offset compared to intramuscular injections or other routes. After the acute effects wear off, ketamine is metabolized in the liver into various metabolites, and the body eliminates them through urine. While the primary effects are relatively short-lived, some individuals may experience lingering effects or changes in mood and cognition for a period after the acute experience.

3. The amount of ketamine found in his body implies recreational use or abuse of his prescription at the last.

• • Dr. Andrew Stolbach, who is an emergency physician and medical toxicologist, explained that Perry’s ketamine level (3,271 nanograms per milliliter) falls within the range that is typically used to sedate someone for a surgical procedure. In other words, the amount of ketamine in Perry’s blood was at a level that is commonly used to make a person sedated enough to undergo surgery.

4. Ketamine was not the only substance found in Perry’s body.

• • The combination of ketamine and buprenorphine can be dangerous due to the potential for additive central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory depressant effects. Both ketamine and buprenorphine can affect the CNS and respiratory system, and when used together, the risk of adverse effects, including respiratory depression, may increase significantly. Here are some key reasons why the combination is considered risky:
  • Respiratory Depression: Both ketamine and buprenorphine can depress the respiratory system, reducing the rate and depth of breathing. When combined, their respiratory depressant effects may be additive, potentially leading to severe respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening.
  • Central Nervous System Depression: Both substances can cause central nervous system depression, leading to sedation, drowsiness, and impaired cognitive function. Combining them may intensify these effects, resulting in excessive sedation, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
  • Cardiovascular Effects: Ketamine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, while buprenorphine may have some cardiovascular effects as well. The combination can potentially lead to cardiovascular stress, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
  • Unpredictable Reactions: The interaction between ketamine and buprenorphine is complex, and individual responses can vary. Some people may experience unexpected or unpredictable reactions when the two substances are used together.
  • Increased Risk of Overdose: Combining substances with respiratory depressant effects, such as ketamine and buprenorphine, increases the risk of overdose. Overdose can lead to severe complications, including respiratory failure, coma, and death.

5 .The Ketamine Infusions prior to his death most likely helped him.

Matthew Perry openly wrote and talked about his struggle with addiction. Ketamine has been investigated for its potential therapeutic effects in the treatment of addiction, although research in this area is still in the early stages. Here are several ways in which ketamine may be considered for addiction treatment:

• Disruption of Maladaptive Pathways: Ketamine has been shown to affect certain neural pathways involved in addiction, particularly those related to cravings and reward processing. By disrupting maladaptive patterns in the brain associated with addiction, ketamine may potentially help individuals overcome addictive behaviors.
• Neuroplasticity and Synaptogenesis: Ketamine has been found to promote neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis, which are processes involved in the formation of new neural connections. This could be beneficial in the context of addiction treatment, where rewiring the brain to reduce dependency on substances is a goal.
• Reduction of Depressive Symptoms: Individuals with addiction often experience co-occurring mental health issues such as depression. Ketamine has demonstrated rapid-acting antidepressant effects, and addressing depressive symptoms may indirectly contribute to the overall success of addiction treatment.
• Mindfulness and Insight: Ketamine-induced altered states of consciousness may provide individuals with a unique perspective on their addictive behaviors. Some proponents argue that ketamine may enhance mindfulness and insight, potentially aiding in the therapeutic process of self-reflection and behavior modification.

If you are considering ketamine treatments please feel free to reach out to Thrive Counseling Services, LLC. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider who can assess your individual health status, provide proper supervision, and ensure a safe and controlled environment for the administration of the drug. Additionally, the specific protocols and details of ketamine treatment may vary depending on the therapeutic purpose, such as its use in anesthesia, pain management, or psychiatric applications. Always follow the guidance of your healthcare provider regarding the duration and frequency of ketamine treatments.