Ketamine: The Controversial Drug Elon Musk Claims to Use
Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, recently made headlines when he denied accusations of drug use, particularly the psychedelic-inducing drug ketamine. Musk, originally from South Africa, and known for his role in the Trump administration, has been open about his occasional struggles with depression. Ketamine, traditionally used as an anaesthetic drug, has gained popularity in recent years as a treatment for hard-to-treat depression.
Peer-reviewed research has shown that ketamine, when used in combination with other antidepressants, can help even the most treatment-resistant depression patients improve their mood. In South Africa, treatment-resistant depression is defined as depression in individuals for whom at least two antidepressants have not been effective.
Ketamine is a schedule five drug in South Africa, meaning it cannot be purchased over the counter and requires a doctor’s prescription. It is typically administered under the supervision of a health professional, either as a drip or nasal spray. The drug’s dissociative effects, which alter consciousness and perception, make it important for patients to use it only under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Although ketamine is approved as a nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, it is not widely available in South Africa. Some healthcare providers are using the drug off-label as a drip, a practice that involves using a legally registered medication for an unapproved purpose. The South African Society of Psychiatrists has published guidelines for the use of ketamine in the treatment of depression, emphasizing its use only for treatment-resistant depression and in drip form.
While Musk has admitted to trying prescription ketamine in the past, he has stated that he has not used it since then. He claims to take a small amount of ketamine every other week under the supervision of a doctor. Musk’s comments have sparked a debate about the use of ketamine for depression treatment and the importance of responsible and supervised use of the drug.
Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic and antidepressant drug that is gaining popularity for its fast-acting effects in treating depression. However, its use should be strictly monitored and administered by qualified healthcare professionals in a controlled environment. Ketamine should only be given by an anaesthetist or a GP with a diploma in anaesthetics, in a setting where patients can be closely monitored and potentially resuscitated if needed.
Unfortunately, there are “cowboy clinics” where unqualified workers are administering ketamine for conditions such as depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder without credible evidence of its efficacy. This unregulated use of ketamine can be dangerous and even deadly, as it can lead to high blood pressure, respiratory difficulties, seizures, and other serious side effects.
In a tragic case, actor Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the TV show Friends, died as a result of ketamine abuse. An autopsy revealed that he succumbed to the “acute effects” of intravenous ketamine administration.
Psychiatrists in South Africa are discussing ketamine as a novel antidepressant that works rapidly by targeting glutamate receptors in the brain. This mechanism of action leads to significant neurodevelopmental changes, resulting in a quick onset of antidepressant effects. Ketamine is typically prescribed for patients who are extremely depressed, suicidal, or treatment-resistant to standard antidepressants.
During ketamine treatment, patients may experience a dissociative state of consciousness, with altered perceptions of reality and sensory experiences. The infusion sessions typically last around 40 minutes, and patients may require multiple sessions over a period of weeks to months to maintain the antidepressant effects.
It is crucial to assess patients for substance use disorders before initiating ketamine treatment, as individuals with a history of substance abuse may be at higher risk of developing addiction. Only qualified healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists or anaesthetists, should be authorized to prescribe and administer ketamine to ensure patient safety.
The cost of ketamine treatment can be significant, with each infusion costing around R2,400 to R2,500. Some medical aids may cover the cost of ketamine treatment upon justification, but coverage can vary depending on the provider.
In conclusion, ketamine holds promise as a rapid-acting antidepressant, but its use must be carefully regulated and monitored to prevent misuse and potential harm to patients. Qualified healthcare professionals should oversee ketamine treatment to ensure safe and effective outcomes for individuals struggling with depression and other mental health conditions.
The rise of ketamine clinics has sparked concern among medical aids, leading to reluctance in covering ketamine treatments. One major reason for this reluctance is the fear of unsafe administration of ketamine in these so-called “cowboy ketamine clinics.” Medical aids are rightfully cautious as they cannot guarantee the safety and efficacy of ketamine treatments provided in these clinics.
In a recent episode of Bhekisisa’s monthly TV programme, Health Beat, the issue of ketamine clinics and the risks associated with them was discussed. The interview highlighted the concerns raised by medical aids regarding the safety of ketamine treatments offered in these clinics. The lack of regulation and oversight in these facilities has raised red flags, making medical aids hesitant to cover ketamine treatments for their members.
The Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism produced this story, shedding light on the potential dangers of cowboy ketamine clinics and the impact it has on the healthcare industry. With the increasing popularity of ketamine as a treatment for various mental health conditions, ensuring safe and responsible administration of the drug is crucial.
As medical aids continue to grapple with the dilemma of covering ketamine treatments, it is essential for patients to be aware of the risks associated with cowboy ketamine clinics. Seeking treatment from reputable and certified healthcare providers is paramount to ensure the safety and effectiveness of ketamine therapy.
In conclusion, the reluctance of medical aids to cover ketamine treatments is a result of the uncertainties surrounding cowboy ketamine clinics. It is imperative for healthcare professionals and policymakers to address these concerns and establish guidelines for the safe administration of ketamine in order to provide patients with access to effective and reliable treatment options.
