Extreme self-experimentation is nothing new to IT entrepreneur Bryan Johnson. Johnson has tried out with cutting-edge therapies that enhance longevity, such as stem cell injections and plasma transfusions. But his most latest experiment provoked criticism—he administered himself a ketamine injection, a dissociative anesthetic, and monitored his brain activity for 15 days.
Johnson shared the experiment on social media with the goal to understand more about how ketamine affects brain function.
I injected the horse tranquiliser ketamine and tracked my brain activity for 15 days. It completely scrambled my brain.Bryan Johnson, IT entrepreneur
Johnson mapped his brain prior to, during, and after ketamine usage using Kernel Flow, a brain-computer interface developed by his company. At first, he observed, his brain responded in strict, predictable ways. But after ketamine was given, the activity moved to less-traveled paths, much like when planes are diverted to smaller airports. His brain gradually restored to normal by the third day, which he termed the "therapeutic window."
In medical situations, ketamine is widely used as a pain reliever and an anesthetic, particularly for emergency situations when other therapies are unsuccessful. Its rapid antidepressant benefits, especially for those with treatment-resistant depression, have attracted attention in more recent years.
Is it safe to inject ketamine into the brain?
Ketamine injections directly into your brain are hazardous. Researchers emphasize that such a strategy could end up in irreversible cognitive decline, psychotic episodes, and catastrophic neurological damage. In addition, ketamine has a significant effect on heart rate and blood pressure, which can be fatal for people with cardiovascular diseases.
Although ketamine has important therapeutic uses, not everyone should use it. Researchers warn that ketamine should not be taken by people suffering from the following conditions:
Prior history of addiction or substance misuse.
Serious mental illnesses or schizophrenia (because it can exacerbate symptoms).
High blood pressure or heart disease (caused by cardiovascular risks).
Chronic kidney or bladder disease (because ketamine usage can cause harm to the urinary tract) .
]Pregnant women and toddlers.
The experiment by Bryan Johnson reflects the growing interest in cognitive enhancement and neuroplasticity. While ketamine therapy has shown potential in the treatment of depression, careless self-experimentation poses ethical and health issues. [1] Before such treatments may be safely added to regular longevity practices, experts believe that more research is required.
Note: This content is purely informational and isn’t medical guidance. It shouldn’t replace professional medical counsel. Always consult your physician regarding treatment risks and benefits.
References:
Lullau, August P. M., Emily M. W. Haga, Eivind H. Ronold, and Gerard E. Dwyer. "Antidepressant Mechanisms of Ketamine: A Review of Actions with Relevance to Treatment-Resistance and Neuroprogression." Frontiers in Neuroscience 17 (2023): 1223145. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2023.1223145.
"Famous Biohacker Takes Ketamine, Tracks His Brain Waves, and Says It 'Feels Like Meditating with a Blowtorch'." Yahoo Life. Accessed February 26, 2025. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/famous-biohacker-takes-ketamine-tracks-155121042.html.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Puja Devi/MSM)