Charges Filed in Connection with Matthew Perry's Overdose Death

Several individuals, including actor Matthew Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, have been charged in relation to the actor's overdose death. Iwamasa is accused of administering excessive amounts of ketamine, a drug typically used as an anesthetic but also misused recreationally. On the day of Perry's death, he reportedly received three ketamine injections, as detailed in Iwamasa's plea agreement. Alongside Iwamasa, multiple physicians and drug dealers are implicated in providing the substance. Ketamine is classified as a dissociative drug, which can induce feelings of detachment from reality, hallucinations, and altered emotional states. It is commonly available in liquid or powder form and can be consumed in various ways, including mixing with beverages or smoking. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) highlights the risks associated with its recreational use, emphasizing the potential for dangerous side effects. In a clinical context, ketamine has gained attention for its effectiveness as a treatment for depression. Dr. Justin Gerstner, a psychiatrist, notes that while ketamine therapy has shown positive results for many patients, it is not universally suitable. He points out the lack of stringent regulations governing its administration, likening the current landscape to a "Wild West" scenario. The investigation into Perry's death revealed that the high levels of ketamine in his system led to severe cardiovascular and respiratory complications, underscoring the drug's potential dangers when misused.