In a new interview, Elon Musk said that prescription ketamine has been helpful in treating his occasional depressive episodes and suggested that taking the medication has been beneficial for investors in his companies.
Musk, speaking with former CNN anchor Don Lemon in an interview posted online Monday, claimed that he takes “a small amount once every two weeks” (sometimes less frequently) to treat what he described as “chemical tides.” that can cause your depression.
“Ketamine is helpful in getting you out of a negative mood,” the Tesla and SpaceX CEO told Lemon.
Lemon asked Musk if ketamine could “get in the way” of his government contracts and standing on Wall Street. Musk said no, so repeated language has used in the past to explain his drug use.
“From Wall Street's point of view, what matters is execution,” the tech mogul said. “Are they creating value for investors?” He then went on to tout Tesla's valuation and sales. “From an investor's point of view, he said, 'If there's something I'm doing, I should keep doing it.'”
Musk added that he originally mentioned his use of prescription ketamine in X “because I thought maybe this is something that could help other people.”
The video of the exchange was posted five days after Lemon announced that Musk had canceled his contract for a new talk show on X just hours after a “laughable” interview at Tesla's headquarters in Austin, Texas.
X's verified corporate account confirmed that the company had decided it would not “enter into a commercial partnership” with Lemon's show, but that the former CNN host could still post his content on the social media service.
Lemon was fired from CNN last April. X said in January that it had reached a deal with him as part of what the company presented as a push to expand video offerings. The platform also partnered with former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, and sports radio host Jim Rome.
Musk's use of ketamine was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. In an article on the topic, the newspaper reported that some Tesla and SpaceX executives were concerned about the billionaire tycoon's drug use.
Lemon asked Musk if he ever “abuses” ketamine, which the billionaire said he takes under medical supervision. Musk responded: “I don't think so. If you use too much ketamine, you won't really be able to do the job, and I have a lot of work.”
Musk's comments about ketamine are notable, in part, because he has previously criticized other drugs used to treat depression.
In an April 2022 tweet, for example, Musk said he believes the prescription antidepressant Wellbutrin should be “removed from the market.” In response to that publication, health professionals defended the drug's effectiveness and safety.
In recent years, ketamine, a powerful anesthetic, has attracted more attention as a potential treatment for people seeking alternative therapies for depression, anxiety and other conditions.
The drug was recently linked to the death of “Friends” actor Matthew Perry, who died from the “acute effects of ketamine,” according to an autopsy report.
In a brief introduction to Musk's interview, Lemon said he didn't know exactly why Musk had decided to cancel the deal. “I dare you, Elon, to watch the entire interview and tell the world why this is not what you say you want at X,” Lemon said, alluding to Musk's stated desire to turn X into a stage for freedom expression.
Lemon also posted the first episode of “The Don Lemon Show” to YouTube and said he plans to release future installments on platforms like Spotify, iHeartRadio and “pretty much anywhere you stream content.”
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In a follow-up interview with NBC News' Chloe Melas, Lemon described Musk's demeanor during the interview as “a little cold,” adding that he seemed to become increasingly “uncomfortable” as it went on.
He said “The Don Lemon Show” would air three days a week and address “anything that's in the zeitgeist.” He and his team are looking for new media partners, but he did not provide details about those conversations.
He added that he hopes that X will fulfill his part of the bargain. But if the company doesn't do it, he said, “then, of course, we'll have to take legal action, but I'm not sure we're there yet.”
