Tesla CEO Elon Musk admitted using ketamine to reduce a "negative chemical mind state" that helps him operate the electric vehicle firm.
Elon Musk ketamine usage was disclosed in his hour-long interview with Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor. Lemon shared the conversation on social media, including Musk's X (formerly known as Twitter).
Musk Says Ketamine Helps His Work Performance
The billionaire entrepreneur said in the interview that ketamine helps him concentrate and work efficiently, contributing to Tesla's public success. Elon Musk said he takes a "small amount" of ketamine every two weeks, according to CBS News.
Considering Tesla's market share compared to other automakers, Musk stressed the necessity of performance in retaining the company's value. It was clarified during the interview that Elon Musk ketamine use is consistent with his dedication to the EV company's growth.
Musk noted the demanding nature of his work schedule, which often entails lengthy workdays and weekend obligations. He said using ketamine would hinder his work.
Elon Musk and Lemon also discussed race and X's loss of sponsors due to the tech tycoon's inflammatory statements. Musk also criticized Lemon's interviewing style as the conversation reached its end.
Despite the incident, Musk maintained optimism about X's future, pointing to the platform's increased interest from advertisers and his commitment to preserving free speech rights.
(Photo : ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is pictured during a visit at the company's electric car plant in Gruenheide near Berlin, eastern Germany, on March 13, 2024, as employees resumed work after production had to be halted due to a suspected arson attack that caused a power outage.
Meanwhile, Tesla's stock rose 6.3% on Monday after the interview, despite a 30% year-to-date fall, while the S&P 500 index rose 9 percent.
TechTimes previously reported that Tesla would boost Model Y EV costs by 2,000 euros in some European areas starting March 22, while all Model Y EVs in the US will jump $1,000 starting April 1.
The European price increases match Tesla's March 1 $1,000 price hike for Model Y rear-wheel drive and long-range variants. Tesla CEO Elon Musk brought attention to the challenge of reconciling manufacturing's shifting consumer demand with constant output for efficiency as Tesla's profit margins have suffered from a year-long price war with competition.
Here's What To Know About Ketamine
Initially licensed in 1970 as an anesthetic for medical and veterinary usage, ketamine is being considered for depression therapy, especially when other therapies fail.
Dr. William Prueitt, head of Silver Hill Hospital's Ketamine Treatment Program, praises the drug's success for treatment-resistant depression, as reported by Fox News.
Dr. Prueitt believes ketamine may help moderate-to-severely depressed people who have failed conventional treatments. Ketamine affects brain neurotransmitters differently than typical antidepressants, which may explain its effectiveness where others have failed.
The drug may be given intravenously (IV) or as a nasal spray (esketamine), which can relieve symptoms quickly in a few weeks. Patients could feel happier, more optimistic, and think less negatively.
Ketamine is safe when delivered by trained medical experts, but unsupervised usage is risky. Dr. Prueitt highlights the need to abstain from self-medication and the necessity of obtaining a mental health assessment and medical screening before beginning ketamine therapy.
