Matthew Perry, what is ketamine? The drug that killed the 'Friends' star.

The American actor had been undergoing ketamine therapy for some time.

Ketamine , a substance used in therapeutic and psychiatric settings, proved fatal for Matthew Perry , the actor known for his role as Chandler on 'Friends,' who died in October 2023 at the age of 54. His death was reportedly caused by the illegal administration of ketamine by a Californian doctor who pleaded guilty. But what exactly is ketamine?

It is a dissociative anesthetic also used in psychiatry, particularly for the treatment of treatment- resistant depression . The American actor had been undergoing controlled ketamine therapy for some time. However, if taken improperly, the substance can have euphoric effects and become highly dangerous .

According to police authorities, the actor relapsed into addiction in the fall of 2023, thus opening himself up to contacts with unscrupulous suppliers.

The investigations

Dr. Salvador Plasencia pleaded guilty in Los Angeles federal court to four counts of illegally administering ketamine to the actor. Plasencia's sentencing is expected in the coming months: he faces up to 40 years in prison.

The investigation revealed that Dr. Plasencia not only procured the ketamine through another accomplice, Dr. Mark Chavez (who also admitted his involvement), but also personally visited the actor's home to administer the doses, or delivered them to his assistant. In just two weeks, Plasencia allegedly distributed approximately twenty vials of the substance. Purchased for $12 each, they were allegedly resold to Perry for close to $2,000 per bottle, according to the investigation.

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