Elon Musk Slams Popular Antidepressants As 'Zombifying' - Reveals His Preferred Mental Health Drug

Musk's comments came in response to a tweet by British rapper Zuby, who expressed concern about the side effects of antidepressant medication.

In his reply to Zuby, Musk stated, "I have serious concerns about SSRIs, as they tend to zombify people." SSRIs, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, are a commonly prescribed class of antidepressants. Musk's criticism of these medications suggests that he believes they have a numbing effect on individuals.

Interestingly, Musk also disclosed that he occasionally uses ketamine, a drug primarily used as an anesthetic. In a tweet, he stated, "Occasional use of ketamine is a much better option, in my opinion. I have a prescription for when my brain chemistry sometimes goes super negative." Ketamine is known for its dissociative properties and has been used for both human and veterinary purposes since the 1970s.

 WATCH: BRITISH COLONEL RICHARD KEMP REPORTING FROM GAZA

The Wall Street Journal previously reported on Musk's use of ketamine in an article published in June. According to the publication, individuals who witnessed Musk using ketamine and others with direct knowledge of his use provided the account. The article also mentioned that Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, including Musk and Google co-founder Sergey Brin, have been known to experiment with psychedelics and substances like ketamine, LSD, and psilocybin.

 WATCH: NO CLUE WHY THEY ARE PROTESTING: "I WISH I WAS MORE EDUCATED"

August 06, 2023

Ketamine, available in liquid or powder form for injection or as a nasal spray, is generally considered safe. However, it does come with potential side effects such as dissociation, intoxication, sedation, high blood pressure, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.

 TRUMP READY TO DEBATE BIDEN 'ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, ANYPLACE,' BUT WILL IT HAPPEN?

Dr. Peter Grinspoon, writing for Harvard Health Publishing, emphasized that ketamine should not be used by individuals with a history of schizophrenia, substance use disorder, pregnant women, older adults with symptoms of dementia, or teenagers.

 CRITICS SLAM BIDEN'S ATTEMPT TO RELATE PERSONAL TRAGEDY TO POLICE OFFICER DEATHS

Despite these precautions, Grinspoon highlighted the potential benefits of ketamine for individuals suffering from serious depression. He stated, "Ketamine can provide help and hope to patients who have not found relief with any other treatments. Given its efficacy in people considering suicide, it is plausible that ketamine may be lifesaving."

 FROM DISGRACE TO REDEMPTION: DAN RATHER TO MAKE UNEXPECTED RETURN TO CBS

Musk's criticism of SSRIs is not new. In June, he expressed his belief that depression is often overdiagnosed in the United States. While acknowledging that some individuals do have genuine brain chemistry issues, he argued against the excessive use of SSRIs, claiming that they can "zombify" people. Musk suggested that occasional use of ketamine is a better alternative, based on his observations of friends.

 KARMA IS A B*TCH: COUNCIL MEMBERS WHO CRITICIZED NYPD NOW BEGGING FOR THEIR PROTECTION

It is worth noting that Musk's comments on mental health and drug use have drawn attention in the past. In 2018, he faced scrutiny for smoking marijuana during an appearance on "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast.

With a net worth exceeding $232 billion, Elon Musk is currently the richest person in the world, according to Forbes' real-time billionaires list. His outspoken views on mental health and his personal experiences with drugs continue to generate interest and debate.