“I'm not great at the advice. Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?”

This is what ‘Friends’ actor Matthew Perry’s character Chandler Bing was known for. He was known for being funny. However, he had his own struggles in his personal life and those struggles were acute depression. He was treating it with ketamine infusion therapy which is legal in the US and the UK.

What is Ketamine infusion therapy?

Ketamine is an anaesthetic used to treat depression, anxiety and pain under supervised and controlled medical settings. However, it does have its side effects, which can lead to distortion of sight, sound and time. It can also produce calming and relaxing effects.

Ketamine increases a person’s heart rate and blood pressure. If overdosed, it can leave users confused and agitated and can cause them to hurt themselves without even realising it. It can also lead to liver damage and bladder problems.

However, when used in moderation and under the supervision of medical doctors, it can treat depression where traditional antidepressants have failed.

Prof Rupert McShane, a University of Oxford psychiatrist who runs an NHS ketamine treatment clinic told BBC that ketamine “probably turns off the area of the brain that is involved in disappointment.”

Can Ketamine Infusion Therapy Kill Someone?

In simple terms, it cannot, be if the dosage is given in a controlled setting and as prescribed. Ketamine infusion therapy uses drugs in small doses than those used for anaesthesia. It acts faster than traditional anti-depressants, but the effects also wear off way quickly. Which is why it is important to monitor patients’ mental state for relapsing back into depression and discouraging them from overdosing on it.

There are ways of giving people ketamine. One of the ways is through “infusing”, which means to use an IV drip. However, injections, nasal sprays and capsules are also methods used to give people ketamine.

Since the dosage of ketamine used in the infusion treatment is small, it being the reason of actor Perry’s death was ruled out. The medical examiner also noted that Perry’s last ketamine infusion therapy session happened more than a week before his death, which means by the time he had died, it must have worn off.

So, What Happened To Perry?

Though Perry’s last session was more than a week before, his post-mortem showed that his blood contained a high concentration of ketamine. He had died of the “acute effects” of ketamine.

If it was not his session, then how did he get ketamine?

Prosecutors alleged that his assistant gave him at least 27 shots of ketamine in four days before his death, reported BBC.

Perry has been open about his personal struggles and this is what the doctors and dealers used against him. Martin Estrada, the US attorney for California’s Central District told the BBC that people took advantage of his condition. They charged him 165 times more than what vials of ketamine cost.

Names that have come up include Dr Salvador Plasencia, drug dealers “Ketamine Queen” aka Jasveen Sangha and Eric Fleming, and Perry’s live-in assistant Kenneth Iwamasa.

Who Are These Names And What Did They Do?

Ketamine Queen or Sangha supplied drugs that led to Perry’s death. Her home was a “drug-selling emporium,” said Estrada. More than 80 vials of ketamine, and thousands of pills including methamphetamine, cocaine and Xanax were allegedly found in her house known as the “Sangha Stash House.”

Sangha is known to deal with high-end celebs and was a “major source of supply for ketamine to others as well as Perry,” said Estrada.

Dr Plasencia called Perry a “moron” while charging him $2,000 for vials that cost only $12. He sold Perry 20 vials of ketamine between September and October 2023, costing $55,000.

He was the one who taught Iwamasa, who had no medical knowledge to inject the drug. This is after he knew that “Perry’s ketamine addiction was spiralling out of control,” as per what the investigators told the BBC.

Another dealer Fleming was told by Sangha to “delete all our messages.” While Fleming pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute drugs unlawfully, he also allegedly messaged Sangha: “Please call...Got more info and want to bounce ideas off you. I’m 90% sure everyone is protected. I never dealt with [Perry] only his assistant. So the assistant was the enabler.”

The court documents also revealed that he asked Sangha on whether the ketamine stays in your system or “is it immediately flushed out.”

Dr Pepper, Bots, Cans

The people who allegedly exploited Perry used coded language for ketamine and called it “Dr Pepper”, “bots”, or “cans.”

Selling overpriced drugs, taking advantage of Perry’s mental condition and falsifying medical records to make the drugs given to him look legitimate by Dr Plasencia is what took Perry’s life.

Iwamasa is said to have administered more than 20 shots of ketamine and three on the day Perry died. Whereas ketamine is only administered by a physician. Authorities also found that weeks before Perry’s death, Dr Plasencia allegedly bought 10 vials of ketamine and intended to sell to Perry.

He also injected Perry with a large dose, two days later. This caused him to “freeze up” and spiked his blood pressure.

When I Die, I Want Helping Others To Be The First Thing That’s Mentioned

Perry had always been open about his drug addictions, struggles with alcohol and his depression. He said that his openness would help others who are also struggling and wanted to be remembered by his quote which also is on the homepage of the Mattew Perry Foundation that helps others struggling with the disease of addiction: “When I die, I want helping others to be the first thing that’s mentioned.”

Five arrests have been made in the case so far.

New Year's Eve: In just few hours, 2025 will come to an end, and many of us will be partying, most probably drinking and watching fireworks. While all this is fun, but it could turn into a health hazard very soon, if not supervised. However, fire departments from across the states in the US have shared New Year's Eve safety tips. Let's look into it to welcome 2026 safely.

Northwestern Medicine Emergency Medicine Physician Steve R Edelstein says, "The holidays are always a busy time of the year in the Emergency Department. “Conditions outside are precarious, and people are inclined to do things they normally wouldn't do.” In such a scenario, these safety tips could come in handy.

New Orleans Fire Department Wants You To Stay In And Safe

New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) noted that New Year's Eve is especially cold, and urged the residents to stay warm and safe. NOFD also warned against the use of alternative heating sources like stovetops and oven and to ensure that all fire and smoke alarms are working. NOFD also will be supplying and installing 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms in the homes of any Orleans Parish resident, free of charge.

Avoid Distance From Fireworks: Louisiana State Fire Marshall

The Louisiana State Fire Marshall (LSFM) told people to keep a 200 feet distance from buildings, vehicles and flammable debris. LSFM has also warned against letting children handle fireworks, and avoid using fireworks if impaired by alcohol and drugs.

Wilmington Fire Department Says Dry Leaves And Pine Straws In Your Roof Could Be Dangerous

The Wilmington Fire Department (WFD) says that it is common to celebrate the New Year's Eve with fireworks, and "injuries with fireworks are actually very common", noted Wendy Giannini-King, Community Risk Production Coordinator with WFD. "There are dry leaves and pine straw all over your roofs. And if those fireworks go up and land on your roof, your home is in jeopardy."

Giannini-King recommends people to "Pay attention to the pine straw, have a bucket of water, or some way to extinguish those fireworks after they’re lit off. And then the other thought is a flat surface that’s free of any sort of debris."

Pay attention to the pine straw, have a bucket of water, or some way to extinguish those fireworks after they’re lit off. And then the other thought is a flat surface that’s free of any sort of debris.

Read: Top 4 Simple Tricks That Will Keep You Healthier In 2026

Village of Key Biscayne Police Department Wants Resident To Celebrate New Year's Eve Responsibly

The Village of Key Biscayne Police Department reminded all residents and visitors to celebrate responsibly. The Village of Key Biscayne PD said that their officers will be "out in full force throughout the night to support an enjoyable New Year's Eve that protects everyone in our community".

Some Safety Tips That The Police Department Shared For Safe New Year's Eve:

Drive Safely: Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is illegal, if anyone spots an impaired driver, dial 911.

Buckle Up And Obey Traffic Laws: Roadways will be busy, thus allow extra time for travel.

Drink Responsibly: If you choose to drink, do it in moderation and do not provide alcohol to minors.

Firework: Be mindful when operating fireworks and do it safely.

Noise Complaints: Be considerate of your neighbors while celebrating.

Animal Rescuers Share Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe

Workers at the Dessin Animal Shelter note few things one can do to keep your pets safe during New Year's Eve celebrations. Linda Gambone tells WNEP to keep your pets indoors, take your pets out on walk before it is late. She also recommends turning out some kind of music or TV so they can mask the sounds of it. Ensure to keep an eye on them and keep them safe.

After nearly dying of pneumonia, Wayne Lineker has finally shared a new health update from hospital, wearing a red Christmas hat. He is seen telling fans he has finally beaten the illness and is back home after what he described as weeks of “pure hell”.

The 63-year-old Celebs Go Dating star and club owner took to Instagram to announce the news, revealing that although he would miss Christmas Day in hospital, he had been cleared to go home on Boxing Day. In a video filmed from his hospital bed, Wayne was seen wearing a Santa hat and smiling as he shared the update with his followers.

“Guys, I just heard the news. I’m going home but not until Boxing Day. I’m gonna miss it by a day, oh well. Merry Christmas,” he said.

In the caption, Wayne reflected on the ordeal, writing that he had beaten pneumonia after what he called the toughest six weeks of his life. He explained that he still had two days left on an intravenous course of antibiotics, which meant spending Christmas Day in hospital, but said he was feeling grateful and relieved. He also thanked the doctors and nurses at Basildon Hospital for their care and support.

Fans rally around as Wayne shares festive hospital moments

Fans quickly flooded the comments section with messages of love and encouragement. One follower wrote, “Merry Christmas darling, the road to recovery looks great on you,” while another joked, “Good news, you can Christmas whenever you want.” Others wished him well and told him they were delighted to hear he was finally on the mend.

The following morning, Wayne shared another update, posting a photo with several nurses from the ward. Dressed in red and white Christmas pyjamas decorated with festive trees and the same Santa hat, he appeared in high spirits alongside the smiling staff.

“Merry Christmas everyone, love from me and all the girls at the Bursted ward Basildon Hospital,” he wrote. He added that Christmas music was playing and that he had been video calling his family, encouraging fans to check his stories for more hospital moments.

A frightening battle with pneumonia

Wayne first revealed earlier this month that he was battling pneumonia, explaining at the time that the illness had left him extremely weak and unable to walk. He later told fans that parts of his lungs were struggling to clear phlegm, despite ongoing treatment.

In another update, he admitted he was feeling worn down but determined to recover. Doctors had put him on strong antibiotics and breathing exercises, which he said he was doing daily and even hourly, alongside trying to stay active around his hospital room.

He also revealed that surgery was being considered if the infection did not clear. The procedure, described to him as a keyhole operation involving a lung washout, was presented as a last resort. At the time, Wayne said it was touch and go whether he would be home for Christmas.

According to the Daily Mail, Wayne was treated for two severe bouts of pneumonia, a serious infection that attacks the lungs and respiratory system and can be fatal, particularly in vulnerable patients.

Now back home, Wayne shared one final upbeat post, punching the air in an orange tracksuit top, trainers and sweatpants. Smiling broadly, he told fans he was thrilled to be home and focused on resting and continuing his recovery.

Have you been taking Lansoprazole for more than three months? Here is the NHS warning you should not be ignoring. The National Health Service or NHS has important guidance on its website for anyone prescribe lansoprazole, this is especially if you have been taking it for three months or more.

What Does The NHS Guidance Say For Lansoprazole?

The NHS website notes that if you have been taking lansoprazole for more than three months, the levels of magnesium in your blood could fall. The NHS is warning against the long term use of this common indigestion medicine as it could lead to low magnesium levels that can cause fatigue, confusion, dizziness, muscle twitches, shakiness, and irregular heartbeat.

If you experience any such symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor.

What Is Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole is a widely used medicine that is prescribed by many doctors throughout the UK. It is one of the common and frequently prescribed proton pump inhibitors or PPIs by the NNHS, which account for a significant portion of all prescriptions dispensed in England.

This medicine is used to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and helps to treat and prevent various acid-related conditions.

Also Read: This Common Heartburn Medicine Causes Bone Loss And Fractures, According To Doctor; Here Are Safer Alternatives

Lansoprazole is used to treat these following conditions:

• Indigestion and heartburn
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Stomach and duodenal ulcers
• NSAID-associated ulcers
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Similar Medications Available

Four medications similar to lansoprazole that also are proton pump inhibitors and help in lowering the acid in your stomach and have similar side effects are:

• Omeprazole
• Esomeprazole
• Pantoprazole
• Rabeprazole

Case Study

Health and Me has previously reported on the case of pantoprazole, where a doctor pointed out how it led to low levels of magnesium and brittle bones. This is one of common medicines in many households, including India. Dr Obaidur Rahman, Ortho and Sports Surgeon pointed out that pantoprazole, popularly sold under the name PAN40, PAN Top or PAN D. These medicines are used to treat and relieve symptoms of heartburn, which is a common symptom of acid reflux and GERD.

"A patient came to me, he was an 80-year-old male. He has a habit of taking this tablet regularly, and because of that he suffered an osteoporotic fracture. This means he fell while walking and fractured," points out Dr Rahman.

Doctor says that many people, old and young, alike, have a habit of taking this pill like a multivitamin. In fact, they have substituted with pro and prebiotics and assume that it helps with digestion. However, he points out, "If you take this regularly, your gastric mucosa stops responding against proper acid production. And there is also an impairment in digestion."

He says that in clinical practice, it has been found that this common household medicine, which is often procured as over-the-counter or OTC medicine, meaning, without prescription, could cause Vitamin B12 deficiency, and magnesium deficiency.