Sublingual ketamine is a way to treat anxiety, depression, and stress. It is growing in use for people who haven’t found help with other treatments. If you’re thinking about trying it, here’s what you should know.
This method uses a small tablet that melts under your tongue. It sends medicine through your mouth into your blood. It usually starts working in 10 to 20 minutes. Most sessions last around an hour.
You won’t be doing this alone. A doctor or licensed provider checks your health before you begin. You’ll also have someone to guide you through the process. This isn’t something you do on your own without help.
When you begin with a trusted provider like isha.health, you first meet with a doctor online. They check your medical history and make sure this treatment is safe for you. You’ll also talk with a coach who helps set up your space and answers questions. If approved, you’ll receive your tablets in the mail or begin your sessions in a clinic.
You’ll be told what to do before your dose. You may need to stop eating a few hours before. You’ll also need to avoid alcohol or other drugs that day. Some people are asked to have a friend nearby for safety.
Your space should be calm and quiet. You might sit in a chair or lie in bed. Most people wear an eye mask and listen to music with headphones. The tablet goes under your tongue and stays there for several minutes. You don’t swallow it. You spit out the extra saliva afterward.
This helps the medicine work better and lowers the chance of feeling sick.
Once the tablet takes effect, you may feel light or calm. Some people say it feels like floating or dreaming. You might feel less aware of your body or surroundings. This is normal and lasts about an hour.
You’ll be checked on by your care team during the session. They make sure you’re okay and that nothing feels wrong. You can speak if you want, or stay quiet.
Some people feel emotional. Others feel calm or quiet. Everyone’s experience is different. You don’t need to force anything. Just let the session run its course.
When the session ends, you’ll rest. Most people stay seated or lying down while the effects fade. Some take notes or write down thoughts that came up during the session.
Later, you may talk to your coach or doctor. They’ll help you make sense of what happened. You might meet with them by video or phone.
You should not drive or go back to work right after. Give yourself the day to relax. You may feel better the next day. Some feel a big change after one or two sessions. Others take more time.
Most people begin with several sessions close together. Then they move to check-ins every few weeks or months. This helps the brain hold onto the progress.
Some people feel dizzy, tired, or a bit sick. These side effects are usually short. Serious issues are rare when care is done right.
You’ll be watched for any problems. Your team may check your blood pressure and ask how you feel. They will stop treatment if they think it’s not safe for you.
You’ll also have a chance to say how strong the effects felt. This helps your team decide if your dose should be raised or lowered.
Sublingual ketamine is one of a few ways to take this medicine. Some people get it through a shot or IV. Those ways are more direct and often stronger. But they may feel more intense or harder to handle.
Sublingual use is easier for many people. No needles. No big medical setup. Just a calm space and simple tools. The effects are lighter and easier to manage. That makes it a good fit for those new to this kind of care.
It’s also less expensive than IV or shot-based methods. That makes it more reachable for people without insurance support.
This isn’t for everyone. You’ll need a check-up to make sure it’s safe. If you have heart issues, drug problems, or thoughts of self-harm, other care may be needed first.
But for many, this option gives real help where other things have failed. People often say they feel clearer, lighter, or less stuck after a few sessions.
It doesn’t take the place of talk therapy or other tools. But it can open the mind to make those things work better. Some say it helps them break free from old thought patterns.
The best way to decide is to talk to a licensed provider. They’ll look at your full health story and let you know if this is safe to try.
1. How long does each session last?
Most last about an hour, with extra time for rest and check-ins.
2. Will I be awake during the session?
Yes. You may feel spaced out, but you’ll be awake and aware.
3. Can I do this treatment at home?
Yes. Many programs offer this with online support and safety tools.
4. Is it safe for everyone?
No. You’ll need a full health check to be cleared for this.
5. How many sessions will I need?
Most start with a few sessions in the first month, then continue as needed.
