Published on
Updated
Reading 2 min.
in collaboration with
Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
Medical validation:
December 18, 2023
The recent death of Matthew Perry, caused by taking ketamine, has (re)highlighted the effects of this highly dangerous drug. An update on this substance with Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo.
On October 28, Matthew Perry, star of the series “Friends” was found unconscious in his jacuzzi. According to the results of the autopsy, death was caused by an excess of ketamine, found in large doses in his blood. What are the effects of this medicine? Why is it diverted for recreational purposes? Dr Gérald Kierzek takes stock.
Ketamine, a medication for chronic pain
Commonly used in human and veterinary medicine, ketamine is a powerful anesthetic.used for several years to manage intractable pain in palliative care, or even chronic pain“, underlines the ANSM.
Synthesized in the 1960s, this substance causes deep and prolonged analgesia, resulting in a state of disconnection in the patient. It has a marketing authorization for a single use in a hospital environment.
Dr Gérald Kierzek tells us more about the history of this anesthetic:
“This anesthetic product from the 1960s was widely used during the Vietnam War. It was used to treat chronic pain. Then, its use was gradually expanded (resistant depression, post-traumatic stress).”
A diversion for recreational purposes
For some time now, this substance has been used outside the medical context: users appreciate it for its numerous psychoactive/psychodysleptic effects (perceptual distortions, delusional ideas, euphoria, etc.). A limited time in the middle of raves and free parties, its use as psychotropic products has widely expanded.
“Its use has been diverted for recreational purposes, particularly during “chemsex” practices. In high doses, it actually allows you to dissociate from your body. Result: we are witnessing an explosion of addictions“, assures Dr Gérald Kierzek.
Used outside of any medical context, consumers use it to get sleep or manage the lack of opiates. Some people even claim to have had “near death experiences (NDE)”. Enough to addict the youngest, thrill-seekers, who do not hesitate to combine it with other products.
“When ketamine is taken with other dangerous substances, such as buprenorphine (opiates), the cocktail effect is guaranteed.“, warns the medical director of Doctissimo.
Ketamine: extremely serious side effects
If the festive use of ketamine remains, at present, rather limited in France, the ANSM confirms that “serious complications following the administration of ketamine […] are […] reported regularly, in a medical or non-medical context (festive or sexual use – chemsex practice)”. Beyond the neuropsychiatric risks (hallucinations, paranoia, memory impairment, dependence, etc.), this product can have other consequences.
It’s about “serious damage to the liver, bile ducts and urology. They most often result from prolonged and/or repeated use, which can also cause ketamine dependence..”
In fact, in the event of addiction to ketamine, the ANSM invites you to consult a doctor without delay, particularly in cases of “the appearance of blood in the urine or pelvic pain which are symptoms of this type of disorder“, she explains.
Ketamine mixed with ecstasy in “pink cocaine”
According to the French Office of Drugs and Addictive Trends (OFDT), from the fall of 2022, pink-colored powders appeared, with variable names: “Tucibi”1, “pink cocaine” or more rarely “tussi” or “Chinese coke”. Contrary to what these names suggest, the product does not contain cocaine or 2-CB2. It is a mixture of other psychoactive substances, most commonly ketamine and MDMA (“ecstasy”). People who have experienced it report hallucinogenic and stimulating effects of fluctuating intensity.