What Is Ketamine, The Depression, Anxiety Healing Drug That Led To Matthew Perry’s Death?

investigation into death of “Friends” star Matw Perry has led to a sweeping indictment that pulled in five people who prosecutors say contributed to his ketamine overdose in October, including two doctors and a street dealer involved in providing Perry large amounts of powerful anestic.

Here’s what to know about ketamine.

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is a powerful anestic approved by U.S. health regulators for use during surgery. It can be given as an intramuscular injection or by IV.

drug is a chemical cousin of recreational drug PCP. Ketamine itself has been used recreationally for its euphoric effects. It can cause hallucinations and can impact breathing and heart.

How was Matw Perry using ketamine?

Ketamine has seen a huge surge in use in recent years as a treatment for depression, anxiety and pain. While drug isn’t approved for those conditions, doctors are free to prescribe drugs for so-called off-label uses.

In Perry’s case, he was using it to treat depression. He was receiving ketamine infusion rapy from his physicians, but prosecutors said actor turned to or sources when his doctors refused to give him more doses.

Prosecutors said Thursday that Perry obtained ketamine illicitly through a network that included a pair of doctors, his assistant and a woman y dubbed “Ketamine Queen.” Perry’s assistant, who has pleed guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, injected actor with ketamine — including several times on day he died.

“We are not talking about legitimate ketamine treatment,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estra said while announcing charges. “We’re talking about two doctors who abused trust y h, abused ir licenses to put anor person’s life at risk.”

How else is ketamine being used?

Ketamine also has been used by paramedics as a sedative, often while working alongside police when y believed subjects were out of control. Some states and agencies have begun to rethink practice due to its dangers. 2019 death in Coloro of a young Black man named Elijah McClain brought scrutiny to practice and led to a pair of paramedics being convicted for giving McClain an overdose of ketamine.

Overall, practice of giving ketamine and or sedatives to people detained by police has spre quietly across nation over last 15 years, built on questionable science and backed by police-aligned experts, an investigation led by Associated Press has found.