Elon Musk’s favorite drug, explained: Ketamine therapy for depression and the risks of misuse

Ketamine is gaining mainstream attention for depression treatment, including reports that Elon Musk takes it every two weeks. The piece frames ketamine as a public health paradox: it can help some people quickly, but misuse can also cause serious harm. Vox explains how ketamine works in the clinical context, including the role of licensed clinics and FDA-approved ketamine-derived options such as esketamine (Spravato). It also notes growing access through clinics and evidence of rapid symptom improvement for treatment-resistant depression in research. The risks focus on abuse and diversion outside medical supervision: taking too much at home, developing tolerance and dependence, and longer-term harms like bladder and urinary tract problems, along with possible cognitive and mental effects. It emphasizes that ketamine should not be self-medicated and highlights that “therapeutic” and “recreational” use can blur as popularity grows.