Elon Musk suggests his prescription ketamine use is sweet for investors

In a latest interview, Elon Musk said prescription ketamine has been helpful in treating his occasional depressive episodes and suggested that taking the drug has been useful for investors in his firms.

Musk, speaking with former CNN anchor Don Lemon in an interview that was posted online Monday, claimed that he takes a “small amount once every other week” — sometimes less ceaselessly — to treat what he described as “chemical tides” that may cause his depression.

“Ketamine is useful for getting one out of a negative way of thinking,” the Tesla and SpaceX chief executive told Lemon.

Musk was asked by Lemon whether ketamine could “get in the best way” of his government contracts and his standing on Wall Street. Musk said no, then echoed language he has used up to now to clarify his drug use.

“From the standpoint of Wall Street, what matters is execution,” the technology mogul said. “Are you constructing value for investors?” He then went on to tout Tesla’s valuation and sales. “From an investor standpoint, he said, “if there’s something I’m taking, I should keep taking it.”

Musk added that he originally mentioned his prescription ketamine use on X “because I assumed, possibly that is something that might help other people.”

The video of the exchange was posted five days after Lemon announced that Musk had canceled his deal for a latest talk show on X just hours after a “testy” interview at Tesla headquarters in Austin, Texas. 

X’s verified corporate account confirmed that the corporate had decided it will not “enter right into a business partnership” with Lemon’s show, but that the previous CNN anchor was still welcome to publish his content on the social media service.

Lemon was fired from CNN last April. X said in January that it had made a cope with him as a part of what the corporate billed as a push to expand video offerings. The platform also teamed up 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 a single article on the subject, the newspaper reported that some Tesla and SpaceX executives were concerned in regards to the billionaire tycoon’s use of medication. 

Lemon asked Musk whether he ever “abuses” ketamine, which the billionaire said he’s taking under a health care provider’s supervision. Musk replied: “I do not think so. If you happen to use an excessive amount of ketamine, you’ll be able to’t really get work done, and I actually have numerous work.”

Musk’s comments about ketamine are notable, partially, because he has previously solid aspersions on other drugs which can be used to treat depression. 

In a tweet in April 2022, for instance, Musk said he believes that the prescription antidepressant Wellbutrin must be “taken off the market.” In response to that post, health care professionals defended the drug’s effectiveness and safety.

Lately, ketamine — a strong anesthetic — has drawn more attention as a possible treatment for people searching for alternative therapies for depression, anxiety and other conditions.

The drug was recently linked to the death of “Friends” actor Matthew Perry, who died of the “acute effects of ketamine,” in response to an autopsy report.

In a brief introduction to the Musk interview, Lemon said that he didn’t know exactly why Musk had decided to scrap their deal. “I challenge you, Elon, to observe the entire interview and tell the world why this is not what you claim you wish on X,” Lemon said, alluding to Musk’s stated desire to show X into an arena without cost speech.

Lemon also posted the primary episode of “The Don Lemon Show” on YouTube, and said that he plans to release future installments on platforms comparable to Spotify, iHeartRadio and “nearly anyplace you stream content.”

In a post on X last week, Musk said that Lemon “lacked authenticity” and that “his approach was mainly just ‘CNN, but on social media.'”

In a follow-up interview with NBC News’ Chloe Melas, Lemon described Musk’s demeanor in the course of the interview as “somewhat cold,” adding that he looked as if it would change into increasingly “uncomfortable” because it went along. 

He said “The Don Lemon Show” would air three days every week and tackle “whatever’s within the zeitgeist.” He and his team are in search of latest media partners, but he didn’t provide specifics on those conversations.

He added that he expects X to live as much as its end of their deal. But when the corporate doesn’t, he said, “then in fact we’ll should take legal motion, but I’m unsure we’re at that time yet.”