December 18, 2023 – anatomy report 54 years old friend Actor Matthew Perry was warned by the Los Angeles County Coroner on Friday about the potential risks of using ketamine. Ketamine has traditionally been used as an anesthetic in operating rooms, but more recently it has shown promise as a treatment for depression and other mental health conditions.
Ketamine infusions can be administered in the clinic. The product is also widely available through telemedicine platforms for oral use at home, although experts are divided on its safety for home use. Following the results of the actor’s autopsy, ketamine experts have urged caution on when and by whom the drug is used, and what exactly the drug’s “acute effects” are. ing. Read on to learn more.
What are the acute effects of ketamine?
“Generally speaking, the acute effects of any drug, including ketamine, are short-term physiological effects,” says Steven Radowitz, MD, internal medicine primary care provider and chief medical officer at Nshama Psychedelic Wellness Center in New York City. says Dr.
Radowitz spoke generally about ketamine, not specifically about the Perry case.
“In the case of ketamine, acute effects can include increased dissociation, nausea, loss of coordination, and a feeling of separation from oneself. It can also cause an increase in blood pressure in some people. Because of its negative effects, it is essential that ketamine is always administered under medical supervision.”
Buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid addiction, was also listed as a contributing condition in the coroner’s report, which said it could exacerbate “respiratory depression that high doses of ketamine can cause.” said Dr. David Majubi, another expert. – Board Certified Anesthesiologist who founded the Ketamine Healing Clinic in Los Angeles. He was also speaking generally, but not specifically about the Perry case. But in the actor’s case, he said, it’s a warning not to use more than the prescribed amount.
“If the coroner finds significant amounts of ketamine in his system, similar to levels seen during anesthesia, it is likely that he ingested ketamine in the hours before his death in a non-clinical setting at home.” Radowitz said. He said.
What doctors should tell patients
Majubi said it is important that patients only use the prescribed amount and not exceed that dose. The physician administering or prescribing it must have experience. It is important that patients know not to use ketamine with other drugs or substances that can cause drowsiness, such as alcohol, sleeping pills, anxiolytics, or opiates. When taking ketamine, “patients should be in a safe and secure environment, not in a bathtub or hot tub,” Majubi said. (In addition to coronary artery disease and buprenorphine, drowning was also listed in the coroner’s cause of death report as other significant conditions that contributed to Perry’s death.)
Proper education is key before patients receive IV ketamine therapy, Radowitz said.
“We believe that when patients come into their infusions with proper preparation and continue their infusions with ongoing integrative therapy, success rates improve dramatically. [using other approaches to complement the ketamine]”
Main points
The important thing here is that ketamine is safe when used under medical supervision, Radowitz said.
“It has a proven safety record of more than 50 years as an anesthetic and analgesic, and has now been used as a treatment tool for depression, anxiety, and PTSD for many years. We recommend only going to reputable clinics with doctors who are well stocked and have proper screening and monitoring protocols in place. This should not be taken at home.”
Radowitz noted that certain people should not take the drug, including those with diagnosed or suspected psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia or uncontrolled psychosis. .