On July 24, California physician Dr. Salvador Plasencia pleaded guilty to illegally supplying actor Matthew Perry with ketamine prior to his death. He faces up to 40 years in prison.
Prosecutors say Plasencia issued dozens of unauthorized prescriptions for the powerful anesthetic, which Perry used outside of approved clinical settings. The ‘Friends’ star died in October 2023 from the acute effects of ketamine, according to the coroner’s report.
The case has renewed scrutiny of ketamine’s use in mental health treatment, particularly in unregulated or loosely monitored environments. While the drug has shown promise for treatment-resistant depression and anxiety, experts continue to raise concerns about its misuse and long-term effects.
So, what exactly is ketamine therapy and how does it work? Click on to find out.