Elon Musk’s use of ketamine was so intense during the 2024 campaign that he complained it was negatively affecting his bladder function, according to a New York Times report detailing the billionaire’s drug use as he joined President Donald Trump’s circle last year. 

The Times paints a picture of a man caught in an erratic cycle of substance abuse and family drama. While Musk has previously spoken of using ketamine as a scheduled prescription treatment for depression, sources who spoke to the Times say his use of the anesthetic was frequent — almost daily —and regularly in combination with other drugs while in the throes of campaign season. The billionaire also took Ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms as he campaigned for Trump, and traveled with a box of daily medication, including Adderall, according to a photo obtained by the Times.

It’s unknown whether Musk’s drug use continued into his time leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)’s teardown of the federal government, although he exhibited erratic behavior throughout his time in the White House.

Musk’s ketamine use reportedly became so chronic last year that he began to experience some of the negative side effects of frequent consumption: namely, complaining of issues with his bladder. 

Studies have shown that frequent recreational ketamine use can lead to a condition known as “ketamine-induced cystitis,” or inflammation of the bladder and urinary tract. A report published by the National Institute of Health states that “common KIC-related problems are urinary pain and discomfort, bladder epithelial barrier damage, reduced bladder storage and increased pressure, ureter stenosis, and kidney failure.” 

“Furthermore, it becomes a vicious cycle when KIC patients attempt to manage their urinary pain with increased ketamine use,” the study adds. 

Speculation about the extent of Musk’s drug use, and its effects on the management of his various companies as well as his foray into the federal government, has existed for some time now. Last year, The Wall Street Journal spoke to various sources within and around Musk’s companies who expressed concerns that the mogul’s regular drug use was not only a major liability to his businesses, but could spiral into a full-blown health crisis. 

In the year and change since the Journal’s report, Musk’s personal and corporate life have only become more erratic. The billionaire is caught in multiple high-profile child support, paternity, and custody battles with the various mothers of his ever-growing brood. According to the Times, the musical artist Grimes, who is mother to three of Musk’s children, privately indicated that she feared for the safety of her son X Æ A-12 (X), who is frequently seen in the public eye alongside Musk in what Grimes says is a violation of their custody agreement. Grimes reportedly expressed concerns that the five-year-old’s health was being affected by the long travel and irregular sleep schedule. 

Today, Musk will officially step back from his role as de facto head of DOGE. Publicly, the departure is being attributed to the expiration of Musk’s authorization as a special government employee. Meanwhile, reports have emerged that executives at Tesla considered replacing Musk as his plummeting popularity and reckless government tenure continued to harm the company’s stock valuation, and led to widespread national protests against the electric-vehicle manufacturer.