What is sublingual ketamine lozenge therapy?
Sublingual Ketamine Lozenges are an innovative, non-invasive treatment where ketamine is absorbed through the tissues under the tongue. This route allows for relatively rapid absorption into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive tract, and offers a discreet and comfortable alternative to injections or IVs.
Why choose sublingual lozenges?
- Convenient & comfortable: No needles or nasal sprays — simply dissolve the lozenge under your tongue in a clinical setting.
- Fast absorption: The lozenge allows ketamine to enter the bloodstream efficiently via richly vascularized sublingual tissues.
- Clinically supervised: Every session takes place in our clinic so our team can monitor your response and keep you safe.
Conditions treated with sublingual lozenges
- Depression (including treatment-resistant and postpartum)
- Anxiety disorders (social anxiety, generalized anxiety)
- PTSD
- OCD
- Suicidal ideation or thoughts
What to expect during your visit
- Before: Little to no preparation required — just arrive for your appointment. Abstain from food at least 4 hours beforehand.
- During: The lozenge is placed under the tongue and dissolved; absorption begins in approximately 15–20 minutes, peaks around 40 minutes, and gradually diminishes over the next 1–2 hours.
- Aftercare: Side effects may include mild dissociation, dizziness, or drowsiness. Patients are monitored briefly after application before being permitted to leave with safe transportation.
Typical protocol
- Series of 6 sessions to start
- Each visit ~90 minutes
- Excellent option for new patients and lower-dose protocols
- Benefits can last for days to weeks — monthly dosing is a practical regimen
- Pricing: $450/month, administered in the clinic up to 2x per week
- A one-time $100 evaluation fee applies to the first visit
Who lozenge therapy works well for
- Patients new to ketamine who want a softer entry point
- Anxiety and mild-to-moderate depression
- Patients who prefer no needles
- Maintenance dosing after an IV or IM series
Pairing with concierge care
Lozenge sessions pair well with ongoing psychiatric follow-up. Our concierge medication management service gives you direct access to Dr. Carr for medication review, integration support, and long-term planning.
Frequently asked questions
Can I administer lozenges at home? No — our sublingual lozenge program is administered in-clinic under medical supervision. This ensures accurate dosing, real-time monitoring, and a safe therapeutic environment.
Are sublingual lozenges addictive? When administered under clinical supervision, ketamine lozenges are considered low-risk and not habit-forming.
What side effects should I anticipate? Potential side effects include mild dissociation, drowsiness, or dizziness — typically short in duration.
How long does the lozenge's effect last? Effects begin within about 15–20 minutes, peak around 40 minutes, and may linger for 1–2 hours.
What does the $100 first-visit evaluation fee cover? It covers your initial medical and psychiatric screening, dosing assessment, and personalized treatment plan before your first lozenge session begins.