Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Inc. and SpaceX, has revealed that his prescribed use of ketamine helps to alleviate periods of low mood, which he believes is beneficial not just for his well-being but also for the investors in his companies. In a recent interview with former CNN anchor Don Lemon, which was streamed on YouTube, Musk emphasized the importance of execution for Wall Street and stated that continuing his ketamine usage is in the best interest of Tesla’s success and that of his other ventures.

Musk described his periodic use of ketamine, under prescription, as a treatment for what he calls “chemical tides” that lead to depression-like symptoms. While ketamine is commonly known for its use in pain management and as an anesthetic, it is also prescribed for treating depression. At higher doses, ketamine can act as a sedative and has the potential to cause hallucinations. The US Drug Enforcement Administration cautions that an overdose of ketamine can result in unconsciousness and dangerously slowed breathing.

This revelation comes in the wake of a January report by the Wall Street Journal, which suggested that executives within Musk's companies, Tesla and SpaceX, had expressed concerns over his recreational drug use. Musk defended himself by stating he had not failed any drug tests. Further, he made a statement on his social media platform X, arguing that his current practices should continue given their apparent success.

The interview led to the cancellation of a planned partnership between Musk's platform X and Don Lemon, following Lemon's inquiries into Musk's drug use among other topics. Musk critiqued the Don Lemon Show for mirroring what he perceives as CNN's approach, albeit on social media, which he found disagreeable.

Ketamine's application for depression treatment includes its infusion in a medical setting or, alternatively, as a nasal spray through a related drug named Spravato, which is designated for treatment-resistant depression. However, Musk did not delve into the specifics of his prescription during the interview. The discourse surrounding Musk's ketamine use highlights the ongoing debate over mental health treatment methods and the scrutiny public figures face regarding their personal health choices.