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PBS News Hour

The risks and rewards of ketamine as prescriptions surge

A coroner’s finding that actor Matthew Perry died from “acute effects” of ketamine is drawing new attention to the drug, a powerful anesthetic intended for use during surgery that has also become a popular treatment for chronic pain and mental health conditions. John Yang speaks with epidemiologist Dr. Caleb Alexander to learn more about a rise in ketamine prescriptions and its effects and risks.

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