Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson is no stranger to extreme self-experimentation. From plasma transfusions to stem cell injections, Johnson has tested cutting-edge treatments to enhance longevity. His latest experiment, however, has raised eyebrows—he injected himself with ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, and monitored his brain activity for 15 days.
The experiment, which Johnson shared on social media, aimed to understand how ketamine affects neural activity. “I injected the horse tranquiliser ketamine and tracked my brain activity for 15 days. It completely scrambled my brain,” he tweeted.
Using Kernel Flow, a brain-computer interface developed by his company, Johnson mapped his brain before, during, and after ketamine use. He observed that initially, his brain followed rigid, predictable patterns. However, after administering ketamine, the activity rerouted through lesser-used pathways, similar to flights being redirected to smaller airports. By the third day, his brain gradually returned to its normal state, marking what he called the “therapeutic window.”
What is ketamine, and how does it work?
Ketamine has long been used in medical settings as an anesthetic and painkiller, particularly in emergency cases where other treatments fail. More recently, it has gained attention for its rapid antidepressant effects, especially in individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
I injected the horse tranquilizer Ketamine and tracked my brain data for 15 days. It completely scrambled my brain.
In a world-first we answered the question ‘what happens to the brain before, during, and after ketamine treatment?’ We also discovered how long it took for my… pic.twitter.com/UFcS0Bumhn
— Bryan Johnson /dd (@bryan_johnson) February 18, 2025
According to Dr Manisha Arora, Director of Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, ketamine’s effects vary depending on dosage:
- Medically prescribed doses: Act as an anesthetic, numbing pain and inducing a temporary dissociative state.
- Low doses: Cause mild euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception of time.
- High doses: Lead to hallucinations, dissociation, memory impairment, and increased heart rate.
- Excessive/prolonged use: Can result in severe cognitive impairment, addiction, bladder dysfunction, and psychiatric issues.
Is injecting ketamine into the brain safe?
Direct brain injection of ketamine is hazardous. Dr Arora warns that such an approach can trigger severe neurological damage, psychotic episodes, and permanent cognitive impairment. Additionally, ketamine significantly affects blood pressure and heart rate, which can be life-threatening for individuals with cardiovascular conditions.
While ketamine has legitimate medical uses, it is not suitable for everyone. Dr Arora emphasizes that individuals with the following conditions should avoid ketamine:
- History of substance abuse or addiction
- Schizophrenia or severe psychiatric disorders (as it can worsen symptoms)
- Heart disease or high blood pressure (due to cardiovascular risks)
- Chronic bladder or kidney issues (as ketamine use can lead to urinary tract damage)
- Pregnant women and children (unless prescribed under strict medical supervision)
Bryan Johnson’s experiment highlights the growing interest in neuroplasticity and cognitive enhancement. While ketamine therapy has shown promise in treating depression, reckless self-experimentation raises ethical and medical concerns. Experts agree that more research is needed before such treatments can be safely integrated into mainstream longevity practices.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.