Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Ketamine's Risks Highlighted After Matthew Perry's 2023 Overdose Death
Ketamine is a strong drug that was first used to help soldiers in the Vietnam War.
It can be used in hospitals to help people with depression or to make them sleep during surgery.
But some people also use it illegally as a party drug.
Recently, the actor Matthew Perry died because he took too much ketamine.
He got it from people who were not supposed to give it to him.
The drug can be very dangerous if not used correctly, especially for people with certain health problems.
The government is now paying more attention to how ketamine is used and who can get it.
Ketamine, a powerful sedative, was first used medically in 1970 during the Vietnam War.
It is approved for treating severe depression and pain management but is also used illicitly as a recreational drug.
Matthew Perry's 2023 death was caused by a ketamine overdose, leading to drowning in his hot tub.
Five individuals, including two physicians, pleaded guilty to federal drug charges related to illegally procuring ketamine for Perry.
Ketamine can cause hallucinations, raise blood pressure, and is risky for people with heart disease or mental health conditions.
- Who
- Matthew Perry, actor, and five individuals including two physicians
- What
- Ketamine overdose leading to death and illegal procurement of the drug
- When
- October 2023 (death), December 2023 (charges), January 2025 (FDA approval expansion)
- Where
- Los Angeles, California
- Why
- Matthew Perry's addiction to ketamine and illegal procurement for personal use
- Drug Name
- Ketamine
- First Medical Use
- 1970 (Vietnam War)
- Clinical Uses
- Anesthetic, depression treatment, pain management
- Illicit Use
- Recreational 'party drug'
- DEA Classification
- Schedule III controlled substance
- Matthew Perry's Cause of Death
- Ketamine overdose leading to drowning
- Sentencing of Defendants
- Dr. Salvador Plasencia due in court