KETAMINE - SCI & TECH

News: What is ketamine, the drug involved in Matthew Perry’s death?

 

What's in the news?

       More than a month after the “Friends” actor Matthew Perry suddenly passed away, the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office released an autopsy report, saying Perry died from the “acute effects” of ketamine.

 

Ketamine:

       Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic hallucinogen that has been used as an anaesthetic for animals since the 1960s and was later approved for human use by the US Food and Drug Administration.

       It is known for creating a feeling of detachment from pain and the environment.

       In recent years, ketamine has gained attention for its potential therapeutic effects in treating depression and other serious mental health issues, especially in cases where traditional therapies have not been effective.

 

Features:

       Ketamine is an anesthetic that has been listed as a hallucinogen.

       It’s referred to as a “dissociative anesthetic hallucinogen” because it creates a feeling of detachment from pain and the environment.

       Its effects include pain control, forgetfulness, intoxication, dissociation, and euphoria.

 

Effects of Ketamine:

       Some patients undergoing ketamine treatment report positive experiences, describing it as a "reset button for the brain." During treatment sessions, individuals may have pleasant visualizations and a sense of detachment, leading to a reduction in the perceived weight of daily problems.

       Ketamine affects brain receptors that traditional anti-depressants do not target, leading to a psychedelic-like experience. This aspect is considered by many to be integral to the drug's therapeutic effect.