News Excerpt: Mathew Perry’s autopsy report has now been released. It says that Perry died from the “acute effects” of ketamine.

What is Ketamine?

• Ketamine is an anesthetic that has been listed as a hallucinogen.
• It’s referred to as a “dissociative anesthetic hallucinogen” because it creates a feeling of detachment from pain and the environment.
• Its effects include pain control, forgetfulness, intoxication, dissociation, and euphoria.

Uses of Ketamine: 

It is the effects that ketamine produces that underlie both its medical and recreational uses.

Way Forward:

• Serious, treatment-resistant depression can rob people of hope for the future.
• Ketamine can provide help and hope to patients who have not found relief with any other treatments. Given its efficacy in people considering suicide, it is plausible that ketamine may be lifesaving.
• But it should be noted that ketamine isn't a first-option treatment for depression, and it is generally used only when other, more longstanding treatments haven't been effective.