Elon Musk's Stated Use of Ketamine for Depression
Elon Musk first publicly addressed his use of ketamine during a March 2024 interview with journalist Don Lemon. During the conversation, Musk confirmed he has a prescription for ketamine, administered under the supervision of a physician, to help manage what he described as a "negative chemical state in my brain," which he equated to depression. He portrayed his use as occasional, stating he takes a "small amount" about once every two weeks.
Musk has also used his social media platform, X, to advocate for ketamine as an alternative to traditional antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which he claims can 'zombify' people. This public stance positioned him as a proponent of ketamine therapy, drawing further attention to his personal health choices and challenging conventional mental health treatment narratives.
Allegations of Broader and More Frequent Drug Use
Despite Musk's public portrayal of controlled, infrequent ketamine use, several investigative reports from major media outlets have painted a different picture. Citing anonymous sources close to the billionaire, these reports allege a more intense and frequent pattern of substance use. Reports from The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times claim that Musk has used illicit drugs such as LSD, ecstasy (MDMA), and psychedelic mushrooms at private parties. The Times further alleged that his ketamine use was more frequent than disclosed, at times nearing a daily habit, and that he even confessed to experiencing bladder issues, a known side effect of chronic ketamine use.
The Corporate and Governmental Implications
The reported drug use has raised significant concern among board members and executives at Musk's companies, including Tesla and SpaceX. As a major government contractor, SpaceX is required to maintain a drug-free workplace, and concerns were raised about the potential impact of Musk's alleged drug use on his security clearance and contracts. In response, Musk has denied the allegations and publicly posted drug test results, including one following a May 2025 New York Times report. However, sources have also alleged that Musk received advance warning of drug tests, undermining the validity of a negative result as proof of abstinence.
Contrasting Claims: A Comparison of Reported Substance Use
The public discourse surrounding Elon Musk's medication and substance use is often a study in contrasts. The following table summarizes the different claims reported in the media and from Musk himself.
| Substance | Elon Musk's Claims | Media Reports & Sources | Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ketamine | Prescription use for depression; small amount, occasionally (e.g., every two weeks). | More frequent use, sometimes daily; used for recreation; caused bladder issues. | Concerns about addiction and professional behavior; potential violation of controlled substance laws. |
| Psychedelics (Ecstasy, Mushrooms) | Never publicly acknowledged use; denies widespread drug use. | Used recreationally at private gatherings according to anonymous sources. | Raises questions about judgment and safety, particularly concerning companies with federal contracts. |
| Adderall | No public statement acknowledging use. | Pills with Adderall markings were reportedly seen in his daily medication box. | Potential for performance-enhancing effects; raises questions about medical supervision. |
| Ambien | Admitted to taking the sleep medication in a 2018 interview. | Concerns raised by board members about his use. | Sleep-related side effects and potential for misuse; could affect daytime performance. |
| Weight-loss Medication (Wegovy) | Publicly advocated for fasting and using Wegovy to stay fit. | Confirmed by people familiar with his habits. | Uncontroversial medication use, but reflects a broader pattern of reported medical interventions. |
The Medical and Legal Context of Ketamine
From a medical perspective, it's important to distinguish between FDA-approved uses and off-label applications. While the FDA has approved esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, for treatment-resistant depression under strict clinical supervision, the general use of ketamine for depression remains largely unregulated. Off-label use, though legal under a doctor's care, carries risks and often requires careful monitoring, which may not align with reported unsupervised use. Chronic or heavy misuse of ketamine can lead to serious health problems, including cognitive impairment, memory issues, and urinary tract damage, which media reports suggest Musk experienced.
The Broader Picture of Elon Musk's Health
Beyond medication, Elon Musk's health profile includes other factors. He has publicly stated that he has Asperger's syndrome, a neurodevelopmental condition on the autism spectrum. He has also spoken about experiencing significant stress and mood swings. His history of admitted Ambien use for sleep, coupled with his promotion of ketamine and other reported lifestyle habits, paints a complex picture of a high-achieving individual using various methods to manage health challenges. It's a situation that combines legitimate medical concerns with public speculation and corporate scrutiny, amplified by his high-profile status.
Conclusion: A Contentious and Evolving Narrative
The question of what medication is Elon Musk using is complex and mired in controversy. While he has publicly acknowledged and even advocated for the use of prescription ketamine for depression, media reports from sources like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal suggest a history of more extensive and recreational drug use. Musk has refuted these allegations, citing negative drug tests, but the conflicting accounts and concerns from company executives and government regulators persist. His disclosed Asperger's diagnosis, along with reported stress and anxiety, may provide context for his exploration of alternative mental health treatments. Ultimately, the full extent of his medication use remains a subject of debate, with his public statements and media reports offering vastly different narratives.
For more information on the distinctions between medical and recreational ketamine, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse website.
