Elon Musk isn’t new to controversy, but this time the firestorm came in the form of a drug test. After weeks of speculation following a New York Times report accusing him of heavy ketamine and drug use during his time in the Trump administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk fired back in his signature style—by posting his urine test results online with just one word: “Lol.”The test, taken recently, shows negative results for ketamine and several other substances, directly challenging claims that he regularly used ecstasy, mushrooms, Adderall, and ketamine to the point of suffering bladder damage. Musk doubled down on his denial earlier, calling the NYT article “lies” and clarified that while he had tried prescription ketamine years ago, it was for mental health purposes and he hadn’t taken it since.So what’s the big deal about ketamine, and why is a clean test so significant?
Understanding ketamine: From surgical anesthetic to controversial antidepressant
Ketamine is classified as a Schedule III non-narcotic controlled substance in the United States. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly as a general anesthetic—used alone or in combination with drugs like nitrous oxide. Doctors typically use it in surgical or emergency settings, as a sedative.But ketamine’s uses have expanded. Off-label, doctors are prescribing it for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, especially in people who don’t respond well to traditional medications.While the FDA hasn’t formally approved ketamine for these uses, ongoing research shows it can provide rapid relief from symptoms of depression and anxiety—though those effects may be short-lived.
A 2023 review emphasized that the effectiveness of ketamine treatment depends on dose and type, with higher doses often leading to better short-term symptom relief. However, a 2022 review on ketamine for anxiety noted that results were mixed, with many people experiencing a return of symptoms within two weeks.
How long does Ketamine stay in the body?
Ketamine is found in both liquid and powder forms. In medical settings, it’s administered as a clear liquid injection. In recreational settings, powdered ketamine—typically off-white—is snorted in lines or mixed into marijuana or tobacco. It’s also sometimes added to drinks.As for detection, urine tests are the most common method because they are affordable, easy, and fairly accurate. Here’s how long ketamine is detectable:Urine: Up to 3 days after single use; 5–7 days with regular use; up to 30 days in rare chronic-use casesBlood: Around 24 hoursSaliva: Up to 72 hoursHair: Up to 90 daysA negative urine test, like the one Musk posted, means there’s no detectable ketamine or its metabolites in the body above the lab’s threshold. This strongly indicates no recent use, especially within the past few days or weeks.
Medical uses of ketamine: More than just an anesthetic
Besides general anesthesia, ketamine is being explored and used (off-label) for several conditions. Here’s a quick look at how and where doctors may prescribe ketamine:Pain treatment (low-dose): For trauma, fractures, abdominal pain, limb injuries, and chronic lower back painStatus epilepticus: In life-threatening seizures that don’t respond to other anti-seizure drugsDepression: Especially treatment-resistant depression. Some studies show ketamine can improve mood within hoursAnxiety: Though still under research, some evidence shows fast-acting, short-term relief from anxiety symptomsIt’s worth noting that off-label use means these applications aren’t FDA-approved—but doctors may still prescribe ketamine when they believe the benefits outweigh the risks.
Risks, side effects, and the darker side of ketamine use
Ketamine is generally considered safe when used correctly and under medical supervision. However, it does come with potential side effects, especially when misused or taken recreationally.Common side effects at medical doses include:DrowsinessDouble visionDizzinessConfusionNausea and vomitingUneasiness or restlessnessLess common but serious risks include:Heart and blood vessel instability: Temporary spikes or drops in heart rate and blood pressure
Respiratory depression: Risky if overdosed or injected too quicklyEmergence reactions: Confusion or agitation during recoveryIncreased intracranial pressure: Particularly risky for people with brain injuriesLiver dysfunction: In some cases, ketamine use has been linked to liver damageCognitive effects: Some studies suggest thinking and memory deficits, especially in childrenAnd because of its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects, ketamine is also misused recreationally and has unfortunately been used in instances of drug-facilitated assault.
