‘Friends' star Matthew Perry's doctor admits giving ketamine to him without any medical reason: How this drug abuse impacts the body
According to reports, Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression every other day for a certain period of time but had reduced that intake later. Since he had diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the drug overdose might have complicated airflow blockage and breathing problems.
'It is a Schedule X drug in India, which means it is tightly controlled and even monitored on a case-specific basis by the prescribing doctor. As a therapeutic intervention, it is safe. The risk is only with unauthorised use,' says Dr Shaunak Ajinkya, psychiatrist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.
WHAT IS KETAMINE?
Derived from a hallucinogenic drug Phencyclidine (PCP), it halts transmission of pain in the spinal cord and activates reward pathways of the brain. Hence ketamine began to be used in pain management and anaesthesia. It was found as a promising new treatment for severe depression because of its euphoric quality and began to be prescribed to pull patients out of their troughs.
WHY IS IT PRONE TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE?
In low doses, ketamine alters perception and coordination, inducing euphoria. As doses increase, the person may get completely disconnected from reality and even experience an 'out of body' experience. Loss of consciousness can also occur at high doses. Since it dissolves in water easily, it is difficult to keep tabs on the amount used.
HOW DOES OVERDOSE HAPPEN?
Ketamine can become toxic when it is mixed with alcohol, as both substances impact respiration, cardiovascular functioning and the nervous system. It can make you unstable enough and susceptible to falls, drowning, vehicular accidents and hypothermia.
HOW KETAMINE OVERDOSE IMPACTS YOUR BODY
Certain medical conditions can exacerbate the risk of ketamine toxicity. Somebody with a pre-existing heart disease or hypertension can face intracranial pressure that pushes up the risk of stroke. There is diminished blood flow to heart muscles. Since ketamine is a relaxant, too much of it can complicate breathing, which becomes shallow. It is toxic for the urinary bladder and liver. Unregulated high doses can lead to drug dependence and schizophrenia.
HOW DO YOU TREAT OVERDOSE?
There is no drug yet to counter its effects. So there has to be supportive care. The patient may have to be put on a monitor and intubated to relieve respiratory distress.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
24-07-2025
- Indian Express
‘Friends' star Matthew Perry's doctor admits giving ketamine to him without any medical reason: How this drug abuse impacts the body
The doctor who gave ketamine to 'Friends' star Matthew Perry, leading to his overdose-induced death in 2023, has pleaded guilty in a Los Angeles court. Dr Salvador Plasencia admitted that he illegally gave the powerful drug to Perry without a proper medical reason. Ketamine is normally used as an anaesthetic and as a component in certain antidepressants, but in this case, it was supplied for non-medical, recreational use. According to reports, Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression every other day for a certain period of time but had reduced that intake later. Since he had diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the drug overdose might have complicated airflow blockage and breathing problems. 'It is a Schedule X drug in India, which means it is tightly controlled and even monitored on a case-specific basis by the prescribing doctor. As a therapeutic intervention, it is safe. The risk is only with unauthorised use,' says Dr Shaunak Ajinkya, psychiatrist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. WHAT IS KETAMINE? Derived from a hallucinogenic drug Phencyclidine (PCP), it halts transmission of pain in the spinal cord and activates reward pathways of the brain. Hence ketamine began to be used in pain management and anaesthesia. It was found as a promising new treatment for severe depression because of its euphoric quality and began to be prescribed to pull patients out of their troughs. WHY IS IT PRONE TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE? In low doses, ketamine alters perception and coordination, inducing euphoria. As doses increase, the person may get completely disconnected from reality and even experience an 'out of body' experience. Loss of consciousness can also occur at high doses. Since it dissolves in water easily, it is difficult to keep tabs on the amount used. HOW DOES OVERDOSE HAPPEN? Ketamine can become toxic when it is mixed with alcohol, as both substances impact respiration, cardiovascular functioning and the nervous system. It can make you unstable enough and susceptible to falls, drowning, vehicular accidents and hypothermia. HOW KETAMINE OVERDOSE IMPACTS YOUR BODY Certain medical conditions can exacerbate the risk of ketamine toxicity. Somebody with a pre-existing heart disease or hypertension can face intracranial pressure that pushes up the risk of stroke. There is diminished blood flow to heart muscles. Since ketamine is a relaxant, too much of it can complicate breathing, which becomes shallow. It is toxic for the urinary bladder and liver. Unregulated high doses can lead to drug dependence and schizophrenia. HOW DO YOU TREAT OVERDOSE? There is no drug yet to counter its effects. So there has to be supportive care. The patient may have to be put on a monitor and intubated to relieve respiratory distress.
India.com
03-07-2025
- India.com
Best Adult Diapers for Comfort, Confidence, and Reliable Protection
Adult diapers provide essential support and comfort for people dealing with incontinence or mobility challenges, allowing them to go about their day with confidence and dignity. Designed with advanced absorbent materials, they prevent leaks, control odor, and keep skin dry and comfortable for hours. Amazon offers a wide range of adult diapers in different sizes and fits, making it easy to find reliable, discreet options that suit individual needs and provide peace of mind every day. Friends Overnight Adult Diapers Image Source: Order Now Friends Overnight adult diapers offer reliable nighttime protection with strong tape-style fastening and an odour lock core. Consider this if you need high absorbency and all-night confidence for yourself or a loved one. Key features: Designed with an anti-bacterial absorbent core to lock in moisture and prevent rashes Odour lock technology keeps the diaper fresh even after extended nighttime use Leakproof barriers prevent side spills and offer uninterrupted sleep or long-hour wear Tape-style fit allows a secure, adjustable fastening for waist sizes up to 59.84 inches Can feel bulky under tighter nightwear due to its thick overnight padding AGEasy Adult Diaper Pants Image Source: Order Now AGEasy offers a pant-style adult diaper with wetness indicator and anti-bacterial lining for daily comfort. Choose this if you want a skin-friendly, pull-on option that's easy to wear and dispose. Key features: Pull-up pant design makes it easy to wear and remove without assistance Wetness indicator changes color to show when it's time for a change Anti-bacterial core helps reduce skin irritation and unwanted odour buildup Stretchable waistband fits securely without digging into the skin during movement Available only in a 10-count pack, which may not last long for regular users ElderFit Pant Style Adult Diaper Image Source: Order Now ElderFit provides a unisex, pant-style diaper with high absorbency ideal for daytime and light overnight use. Go for this if you're looking for dependable protection with a discreet and flexible fit. Key features: High absorbency material captures leaks quickly while keeping the surface dry Designed with a stretch waistband to fit waists between 30 to 48 inches comfortably Unisex style ensures versatile use for both men and women in home or hospital settings Leak guard leg cuffs help prevent side leakage during movement or sleep Might need more frequent changes during heavy usage or extended overnight wear Dr. Hygene Adult Diapers Image Source: Order Now Dr. Hygene's medium-size tape-style diapers are crafted for comfort and care with a helpful wetness indicator. Consider them if you prefer a taped fit with moisture monitoring for timely changes. Key features: Tape closure system ensures a customizable, snug fit with minimal adjustment needed Moisture indicator alerts caregivers or users when replacement is necessary Soft inner lining supports sensitive skin and prevents heat rash or redness Fits medium-size waists between 76 and 101 cm for secure all-day wear May not offer enough coverage for larger waist sizes or overnight requirements Choosing the right adult diaper can make a meaningful difference in daily life, improving comfort and restoring independence. With soft, breathable materials and secure fits, they help prevent irritation while providing all-day protection. Amazon's collection includes trusted brands and options for various levels of absorbency and mobility, so you can find the best solution for yourself or a loved one. Explore their range and choose adult diapers that support a more comfortable, confident, and active lifestyle. Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Time of India
'Husbands are a headache': Study reveals male partners 'stress out' women more than kids do
H for husbands. H for headache. As Phoebe Buffay from FRIENDS would ask, 'Coincidence?' A study reveals, apparently not. A surprising revelation from a decade-old survey by Today and NBC News shed light on the stress levels experienced by mothers. The same study also found out who – at home – was the real troublemaker! Turns out – it's not the kids, it's the 'big kids'! What does the study say? The study surveyed over 7,000 American mothers and found that, on average, their stress levels were a staggering 8.5 out of 10. Even more striking was the finding that nearly 46% of these mothers reported that their husbands caused them more stress than their children. The findings from the 2013 survey highlight the staggering imbalance of sharing responsibilities and support in relationships. What were the root causes of stress? The study highlighted several factors contributing to this stress: Unequal distribution of household responsibilities: Approximately 75% of the mothers felt they were primarily responsible for household chores and parenting duties. This imbalance often left them feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. Perception of husbands as 'Big Kids': Many women described their husbands as additional children rather than equal partners, leading to increased stress. Lack of help and time constraints: One in five mothers reported insufficient assistance from their spouses and a lack of time to complete their tasks, further exacerbating stress levels. Scientific insights into stress responses: Research from the Council on Contemporary Families indicates that individuals experience higher stress levels at home compared to work. A study by Penn State measured cortisol levels and found greater stress at home, with women reporting feeling better at work. This holds true for both parents and non-parents, particularly the latter. Moreover, a UCLA study found that married men experienced lower cortisol levels when they relaxed while their wives did housework, while – in a stark contrast – women had lower cortisol levels when their husbands helped with chores. This difference highlights that while men's stress levels drop during rest periods, women benefit from shared household responsibilities. The mental load: An invisible labor The concept of the 'mental load' refers to the cognitive and emotional effort involved in managing household and childcare tasks. A study published in arXiv introduced a methodology to measure individual perceptions of gaps in mental load within heterosexual couples. The study found that women are significantly more likely than men to bear organizational responsibility for domestic tasks, report lower satisfaction with this division, and experience higher emotional fatigue. These burdens are often underestimated by their partners. How to tackle stress? As the study outlined the root causes of the stress experienced by women, especially mothers, it is imperative to figure out ways to tackle the same as well. To handle the enormous stress caused by unequal responsibilities, experts recommend the following strategies: Open communication: Discussing feelings and expectations can help partners understand each other's perspectives and work towards a more balanced relationship. Equitable distribution of tasks: Sharing household chores and parenting duties can reduce the burden on one partner and promote a more harmonious environment. Seeking external support: Engaging in counseling or support groups can provide tools and strategies to manage stress and improve relationships. Self-care: Encouraging each other to take time for personal well-being can help reduce overall stress levels. And for all the husbands out there, Take The Cue and Please Do Better! Study: Cluster headaches may be more severe in women One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
