How ketamine played a role in the death of Friends star Matthew Perry
Aug 17, 2024, 7:00 AM | Updated: 10:05 am
As credited in his memoir, ketamine infusions helped Perry treat his depression. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – In Oct. 2023, news broke out about the death of Friends star Matthew Perry. The cause of death was an accidental ketamine overdose.
On Thursday, we learned that five people were charged in connection to his death, including his personal assistant, two doctors, and an underground criminal network called the “Ketamine Queen.”
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada says this network distributed large amounts of ketamine to Perry prior to his death.
Dr. Paul Thielking, Psychiatrist and Chief Science Officer at Numinus Wellness, says ketamine was originally an anesthetic. It was developed in the 70s and is often used in emergency rooms.
“Back in the early 2000s, I think people started noticing that it also had mood effects… As it turns out, ketamine is actually a rapid-acting, effective anti-depression treatment and can also help alleviate acute suicidal thoughts,” he said.
As credited in his memoir, ketamine infusions helped Perry treat his depression.
“He had been going and getting these ketamine infusions, and then he started abusing. When the ketamine infusions weren’t enough for him, he started looking for illegal ways,” Dave said.
That’s when the “Ketamine Queen” stepped in and started taking advantage of this opportunity. Perry ended up spending $55,000 in just one month for a supply of ketamine. In one instance, he paid $2,000 for about $12 worth of drugs.
Two of the defendants that were charged have already pleaded guilty to charges, and a third has agreed to plead guilty.
