Matthew Perry: is Ketamine dangerous?
I have gotten many questions, since I am a Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapist, about Matthew Perry. Unless you are living under a rock, you probably already know that the cause of death that was determined was “acute effects of Ketamine.” Matthew Perry was known as a beloved Friends star who played the role of Chandler. Matthew had a very well known history of substance use disorder, which he wrote about in a book he authored. He spoke about having Ketamine infusions to help him deal with various mental health issues he had as well as his substance use disorder.
First let me preface that I am NOT A DOCTOR. I can’t speak from the perspective of a medical professional, so please don’t interpret my view as the official one. It’s not. But you can definitely Google his name and get all of the details.
Matthew Perry was reportedly last in his infusion treatment a week and a half before his death. Because Ketamine has a 3-4 hour half life, it was determined that the Ketamine infusion he had a week and a half earlier was not the cause of death. What we do know is that Matthew Perry probably had access to Ketamine and may have used it on his own before he died. He drowned in his pool/jacuzzi as a result of taking a large dose of Ketamine. When you’re under the influence of Ketamine, it is not a good idea to 1. be alone and 2. be in any body of water unattended. Unfortunately it has been reported that Matthew was likely alone and he was in the pool.
So what happened to Matthew Perry is VERY DIFFERENT than what happens in my office or online during a Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy session. First, there is an entire medical team that does all of the evaluations for Ketamine use and handles prescriptions. That means they are making sure that Ketamine is safe for you to take and how much you might need in order to have a meaningful experience. A “dissociative” dose is prescribed in Rapid Dissolving Tablets (RDTs) that you place under your tongue and dissolve in 10-12 minutes. You are lying in a recliner, bed, couch, or the floor with a sleep mask on. You have earbuds or headphones on and are listening to music which enhances Ketamine’s magic. I am there to monitor and make sure you are comfortable, safe, and there to assist if you need it. Ketamine is largely an internal experience. You will know where you are and what you are doing but you would have difficulty getting up and moving around and probably seeing while under the effects of Ketamine. The entire experience typically can happen in about 3 hours, including some time to talk about what you experienced (yes, you will remember!) and get your senses mostly back to normal. You will not be able to drive, which is why you need to have someone pick you up or why many choose to have me come to their home so they don’t have to bother with a chaperone or a ride.
My medical team asks me to log every Ketamine session you have. Although I do not administer the Ketamine, I do log in their computer session how many lozenges you took (you can take your dosage and typically a booster if needed). This is how they monitor the medicataion and how it’s taken. I also log any side effects or concerns. I have an emergency number to report to them any problems. It is organized and planned for.
As you can see, the setting is totally different. You are safe, you have someone monitoring you and activate emergency help if something goes wrong. And I’ve also been certified in providing Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and participate as a patient in my own KAP. It really does help to have all these unique aspects of experience to make me prepared for yours.
If you’re curious, definitely reach out. I would be happy to answer any questions.
