Hello, and welcome to Quick Dose. Today, we unpack why Elon Musk calls ketamine his favorite drug. First synthesized in the 1960s as a surgical anesthetic, ketamine has lately found new life in psychiatry. Dozens of small trials show a single dose can lift depression and suicidal thoughts within hours—far faster than traditional antidepressants. Musk has praised microdosing ketamine, tweeting that it’s “more effective than anything else” he’s tried.

In 2019, the FDA approved esketamine, a ketamine derivative, as a nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. But it’s not without risk. As psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Mindell warns, “ketamine is not a magic bullet.” Patients can experience dissociation, memory loss, and even bladder problems. Long-term safety data remains limited, so experts urge caution.

Still, for people battling severe depression, ketamine’s rapid relief feels nothing short of revolutionary. That’s your minute on why Elon Musk’s favorite drug has the medical world buzzing.
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