Media coverage often simplifies complex, interdisciplinary, and integrative treatments like ketamine therapy, favoring sensational headlines over nuanced understanding.
Click-bait articles overlook the meticulous care, scientific basis, and positive outcomes observed by countless individuals who have had life-changing and life-saving benefits from ketamine therapy. Our dedication to education and helping individuals on their healing journey is unwavering.
In light of the recent news linking Matthew Perry's passing to ketamine, we felt it was important to discuss facts of the coroner report, common misconceptions, and concerns about safety. Understandably, such news can evoke worry and uncertainty, particularly when you're actively engaged in treatment, considering it for yourself, or you have loved ones seeking treatment.
It was reported that Perry had been receiving ketamine infusions to treat depression and anxiety but his last known infusion was at least a week and a half prior to his passing. Because of the half life of ketamine, the coroner concluded that the ketamine found in his stomach and blood was not from the infusions but taken by another means in the hours prior to his passing. Secondly, he had very high levels of ketamine in his body in addition to other medications.
No traces of illegal medicines were detected or found in his home. The combination of high levels of ketamine, sedative medications, exposure to heat, and coronary heart disease could have cause reduced consciousness, respiratory suppression, or cardiovascular complications contributing to his drowning.
Because of how Ketamine is metabolized in the body, particularly in its oral form, the high levels suggest he consumed significantly more than a therapeutic or anesthetic dose, highlighting the importance of precise and monitored administration within therapeutic, evidence-backed guidelines.
Ketamine is a safe and FDA-approved medication that is recognized by the World Health Organization as an “essential medicine” and has been used by the medical community for decades. Increasing interest and research surrounding psychedelic medicines have led to a growing body of evidence supporting the promising applications of these substances in mental health treatment and beyond.
However, it's crucial to emphasize that ketamine should only be administered by qualified, experienced healthcare professionals in clinical settings with close monitoring. As with any treatment, there are associated risks, including considerations regarding existing health conditions and medications, which should be openly discussed with your physician.
At OC Ketamine Therapy, your safety and health remain our utmost priority. With over four years of specialized experience in this field and 15 years in emergency and critical care, we want to reaffirm that our treatments are administered in a safe, controlled, and professional environment under close monitoring by Dr. Dina Seif, a board-certified Emergency Physician.
We follow rigorous, evidenced-based practices and are dedicated to the highest standards of safety.
We want to express our deepest empathy for any distress this news may have caused and we are committed to not letting this tragedy overshadow the genuine value and safety of supervised ketamine therapy.
