Debunking Ketamine Myths: The Truth Behind Matthew Perry's Tragic Death

Experts are debunking myths and misconceptions about ketamine following the death of actor Matthew Perry, whose cause of death was listed as "acute effects of ketamine." Ketamine has been used for over 10 years as a treatment for depression, PTSD, and pain, and was approved by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression in 2019. While ketamine can be addictive, experts describe it as a moderately addictive substance with a low risk of addiction, craving, or withdrawal when used in low doses in a clinical setting. Ketamine should only be obtained and administered by licensed medical professionals, as self-administration can lead to addiction and the risk of receiving tainted products. Intranasal or micro-dosing of ketamine can be dangerous, as it can exceed safe limits and lead to aggressive drug-seeking behaviors. Gradual dose titrations are recommended for starting and stopping the medication. Ketamine can become dangerous when used at home without close monitoring, mixed with other medications, or used in unsupervised settings. Guidelines for safe use of ketamine will be published soon.