The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has concluded that “Friends” star Matthew Perry died on October 28 as the result of the “acute effects of ketamine,” which resulted in “cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.”
Despite the fact that it is not FDA-approved for the treatment of any psychiatric conditions, ketamine infusion therapy has been used to treat depression and anxiety — and according to the medical examiner’s report, entertainment site Page Six noted that Perry was undergoing that particular type of therapy for treatment of depression. His last treatment, according to the Associated Press, took place about 1 1/2 weeks prior to his death.
Matthew Perry died from the acute effects of the drug ketamine, according to the results of an autopsy on the 54-year-old “Friends” actor. https://t.co/lPUBAybWGq
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 15, 2023
Perry’s death was ruled “accidental,” and other contributing factors listed on the autopsy report included drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine — an FDA-approved drug used for the treatment of opioid addiction.
The “Whole Nine Yards” actor had struggled with addiction to both alcohol and Vicodin for decades, but was reportedly clean and sober at the time of his death.
“Friends” costar Jennifer Aniston, in a recent interview for Variety, said that in addition to being clean and sober, Perry had been in a much better place — and had been absolutely dedicated to getting his life back on track.
“He was happy. He was healthy. He had quit smoking. He was getting in shape. He was happy — that’s all I know. I was literally texting with him that morning, funny Matty. He was not in pain. He wasn’t struggling. He was happy,” Aniston said.
“I want people to know he was really healthy, and getting healthy. He was on a pursuit. He worked so hard. He really was dealt a tough one,” Aniston continued. “I miss him dearly. We all do. Boy, he made us laugh really hard … His way of speaking created a whole different world. We went with his lead, in a way. It just added something to our joy.”