"There are times when I get overwhelmed by negative feelings, like depression, I guess. And ketamine is very helpful, it helps me get out of this state," billionaire Elon Musk said in a 90-minute interview published by journalist Don Lemon on March 18.

Ketamine is an anesthetic used to relieve pain, numb, and reduce stress, but is also classified as a synthetic drug because of its sedative and hallucinogenic effects.

Musk said he was prescribed ketamine by his doctor and “takes a small amount every two weeks or so.” The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the drug to treat mental health issues.

Mr. Musk affirmed that he does not drink alcohol or smoke marijuana, adding that he is almost always sober late at night or early in the morning, when he usually posts on social network X.

He also denied abusing ketamine. “If I take too much, I can’t work, and I have a lot of work, often 16-hour days,” Musk said.

The Tesla billionaire founder’s comments came after the WSJ reported earlier this year that he regularly used LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms at private parties around the world, a report that has had repercussions for Musk’s companies.

Responding to Don Lemon, Mr. Elon Musk believes that his depression is genetic and does not believe that his use of ketamine will affect the company and government contracts.

Duc Trung (According to CNN, WSJ )