Is Ketamine Safe? | What Patients Should Know Now

Although ketamine is being widely talked about as a great option for mental wellness, you’ve probably also heard negative things about ketamine. Once known as ‘special k’, a party drug abused on the streets, ketamine is now on the frontlines of mental health and, more recently, in headlines related to a popular actor’s death. Many people are wondering: Is ketamine safe? Read on to know more about the ketamine drug and, if you are considering ketamine therapy, learn how to ensure you have a safe experience.

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understanding the ketamine drug

Ketamine has had a significant rise in popularity. K-clinics are popping up all over the nation. Whenever a treatment becomes trendy and more accessible, it can often become misunderstood. Ketamine is a synthetic drug. It has incredible healing capabilities for mental and physical health. It also has dangers, just like any other drug or medication.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation offers this insight into ketamine: “Ketamine is used by medical practitioners and veterinarians as an anesthetic. It’s sometimes used illegally by people to get high…There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug…The risk of death from ketamine alone is low, due to its ability to cause unconsciousness with minimal impact on airway reflexes or blood circulation. However, individuals are at a higher risk of physical harm/accidents while under the influence of the ketamine.”

So, is ketamine safe? Yes, Ketamine as a therapy treatment can be very safe. The best way to ensure your experience with ketamine will be safe and effective is to choose an experienced, professional provider. Your own therapeutic intentions are also important when considering ketamine treatment.

ketamine in the news

Recently, beloved actor Matthew Perry passed away and it has been reported that the cause of death includes “acute effects of ketamine”. Matthew Perry was found unresponsive, in his pool and news articles say “his drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine — a medication used to treat opioid use disorder — were noted as factors that contributed to his death, but were not the primary cause.”

Matthew Perry had reportedly been receiving ketamine treatments for depression and anxiety, his most recent infusion being about 11 days before his death. The examiner stated that the ketamine in the actor’s system at the time of death could not be from his treatments- it could not have lasted that long in the body.

Headlines exploiting the personal details of Matthew Perry’s death have inevitably, and understandably, lead many people to research the safety of ketamine. It is important to note that there are extremely lower risks when you receive ketamine in a therapeutic, professional environment. At a ketamine clinic, you won’t be alone or subject to the risk of drowning.

Five People Charged In The Death Of Matthew Perry

In recent news released in August 2024, five people have been arrested in connection to Matthew Perry’s death. Two of these five people are medical doctors. One includes his live-in assistant, and the other charged in his death is refferred by authorities as “The Ketamine Queen.” According to the DOJ, as of April 2026, Jasveen Sangha, “The Ketamine Queen,” was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for her role in Matthew Perry’s death.

Additionally, Matthew Perry was receiving in-clinic Ketamine treatment from a physician, that was not charged in this case. The ketamine supply that ultimately killed Perry, was tied back to Jasveen Sangha, also known as “The Ketamine Queen.” Investigators tied Sangha’s supplier to a San Diego physician, Dr. Mark Chavez. Chavez obtained the ketamine illegally through a fraudulent prescription. He has pleaded guilty to the conspiracy to distribute ketamine. In 2025, he received 8 months of home confinement.

Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa was also charged for injecting Perry with Ketamine without a proper medical license. He received up to 3.5 years in federal prison. Reports cite Iwamasa repeatedly injected Perry on the day of his death. Iwamasa worked with Dr. Salvador Plasencia on obtaining ketamine and learning how to inject the drug. Dr. Salvador Plasencia has also been charged. According to investigators, Plasencia exchanged text messages, saying “I wonder how much this moron will pay” and “Lets find out.” Reports estimate that Perry spent around $55,000 in cash for 20 vials of ketamine.

How Matthew Perry’s Death has impacted ketamine clinics

Austin Francom, ARPN, FNP and owner of Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives, a ketamine clinic in Utah that has treated thousands of patients, states “Hearing about Matthew Perry’s death was devastating. Even more devastating is the fact that medical doctors were involved in distributing illegal ketamine to the actor. Enabling addictive behavior with ketamine is obviously, bad practice. Supplying Perry with vials of Ketamine was unethical and dangerous. As mental health professionals, we are responsible for providing the best care to our patients. The unethical behavior of these physicians is a terrible reflection on those of us who are dedicated to administering ketamine treatment in a safe medical setting. Proper dosing, mental health training, and constant medical supervision is required.”

ketamine in clinical research

At Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives, we are dedicated to helping each person experience maximized therapeutic results. Our providers have created safe, comfortable spaces for treatments. Ketamine infusions are given in low doses according to your treatment plan and you are closely monitored during each treatment session.

Countless studies are providing evidence that ketamine has incredible benefits for mental health. Ketamine clinics near you likely offer a variety of treatment applications. For years now, ketamine has been on the frontlines of treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, Complex PTSD, and much more. Read about the research behind each ketamine treatment application available at Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives:

safe ketamine therapy in slc and west jordan, utah

Safe ketamine therapy is possible with Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives. We are the leading provider of ketamine therapy treatments in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our providers use years of experience to curate a safe, personalized, and highly effective ketamine experience for each person. Co-Owner and Nurse Practitioner Austin Francom says, “ Despite recent sensationalized articles about Matthew Perry’s death, Ketamine can be a safe and effective treatment for depression under the care and supervision of health professionals. With health professionals, Ketamine can be administered safely and properly in a healing environment.”

If you think ketamine may be right for you, or if you are concerned about the safety of this therapy- we can help. Ask your ketamine questions to our expert providers in a free consultation. Call us today at (385) 685-1410 or fill out our online form to get started.