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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
Actor Matthew Perry, who died last October, was suffering from a ketamine overdose, provided by his doctor and assistant. A frightening scenario that likely paralyzed the actor and caused a slow death. What are the effects of this anesthetic? We talk about it with Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
New twist in the death of Matthew Perry, known for his touching role as Chandler in the series Friends. Ten months after his death, a Californian drug dealer and several doctors were charged this August for providing very high doses of ketamine to the actor in the weeks and days before his death. The actor, known for his addictions, had been found unconscious in his hot tub on October 28.
21 injections in the actor’s last days
A few weeks after the media shock, the investigation revealed the causes of the actor’s death as being linked to “acute effects of ketamine”. The 54-year-old man, despite a successful career and a caring environment, had suffered for decades from addiction to alcohol, drugs and medication. He seemed to be in a peaceful phase, but this was not the case.
Recent confessions from his dealer and his doctor, who were indicted today, indicate that they supplied the actor with $55,000 worth of ketamine over his last two months. Including 21 injections during his last week of life. According to his doctor, the substance caused convulsions and states of “freezing” or paralysis on the actor’s body.
An autopsy revealed that the amount of ketamine in Matthew Perry’s blood at the time of his death was equivalent to that used during general anesthesia during surgery. In this state, the doctor said, users can experience involuntary rapid eye movements, dilated pupils and, above all, a stiffening of the muscles such that they “freeze”, which can lead to suffocation. Matthew Perry was therefore probably paralyzed in the water before succumbing.
Paralyzing effects up to respiratory depression possible
Ketamine, an anesthetic that blocks the neurotransmitter N-methyl-D-aspartate (NDMA), which controls the actions of the nervous system, is also used recreationally.But its effects vary considerably depending on the dose and method of administration.” Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo, tells us. Effects that should not be taken lightly.
- “In low doses, Users often feel a floating and calming state, a feeling of euphoria” he points out. The perception of time and bodily sensations is altered, causing distorted visions and a disappearance of pain. Users may experience feelings of dissociation, feeling disconnected from their body (psychodysleptic effects).
- In high dosesintense hallucinations and delusions may occur, with a feeling of being out of body.Coordination problems, nausea, and vomiting are common, which can lead to accidents.” continues our expert. Slowed breathing and cardiovascular disorders can occur, increasing the risk of serious complications such as coma.
- In case of overdoseextreme disorientation and hallucinations may occur and the user may lose consciousness and remain in a comatose state for several hours. “Ketamine overdose is particularly dangerous and can lead to respiratory depressionthat is, very slow or stopped breathing, which can lead to brain damage or death” warns the doctor.
Finally, the combination with other nervous system depressants, such as alcohol or opioids, exacerbates the sedative effects, increasing the risk of cardiac arrest or respiratory depression.
Effects that the actor’s unscrupulous doctor was most likely aware of.