Long Track Record of Safety

Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic and analgesic since the 1960s. It is listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization due to its safety profile, especially in urgent or complex care situations. Unlike many psychiatric medications, ketamine does not significantly depress respiratory or cardiac function, making it safer than many sedatives or opioids.

Low Dose, High Intentionality

Troches are administered at much lower doses than those used in surgery or emergency care. These doses are carefully calibrated to produce therapeutic effects without significant risks. As troches dissolve in the mouth and absorb through the mucosa, their effects come on more gradually than IV or IM methods, which can feel gentler and easier to navigate.

Non-Invasive and Client-Friendly

Troches are non-invasive and taken orally, reducing procedural risks such as infection or injection site issues. When used with provider guidance and safety protocols, clients can self-administer in a familiar and comfortable environment, promoting a sense of safety and agency.

Provider Oversight and Customization

Troches are only available through compounding pharmacies with a prescription. Clients are assessed thoroughly before treatment and monitored throughout their journey. Providers can tailor the strength and frequency of troches based on individual needs, reducing the risk of overmedication or adverse reactions.

Lower Risk of Dependence and Side Effects

Ketamine has a low risk of dependence when used in low, intermittent, therapeutic doses under supervision. It is rapidly metabolized by the body, reducing the likelihood of prolonged or cumulative side effects. When spaced appropriately, ketamine troches do not typically cause the cognitive dulling or emotional blunting seen with many antidepressants.

Built-In Safety with Set, Setting, and Support

Providers ensure clients have a safe “set and setting” before using troches—meaning the internal mindset and external environment are conducive to healing. Ketamine is not used in isolation; when supported by integration therapy and clear guidelines, clients are less likely to misuse or misunderstand the medicine’s power. Safety protocols may include check-ins, preparation sessions, and emergency contacts to ensure the safest experience possible.

Lower Overall Cost Per Dose

Troches are significantly less expensive than IV or IM ketamine. IV infusions can cost anywhere from $350 to $700+ per session. Troches costs with SomaVerse $60-90 per session.  

No Need for In-Clinic Administration

Troches reduce the cost of facility use and staff time: No IV infusion room, nurse, or in office medical monitoring required. If clients choose at-home use, it minimizes time off work and travel expenses.

Ideal for Long-Term or Maintenance Use

Troches support extended care without escalating cost: - Suitable for long-term support of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain. - Enables spacing out higher-cost in-office treatments. - Clients are more likely to stick with an affordable protocol, increasing potential for lasting transformation.

Makes Ketamine Therapy More Accessible

Troches are especially beneficial for underserved populations: Helpful for clients without insurance coverage or with limited financial means. Integrates well with donation-based or sliding scale care models. Expands access to healing modalities for those who may not otherwise afford treatment.

Financial Accessibility + Therapeutic Depth = Expanded Healing

Affordability does not compromise therapeutic value: - When paired with trauma-informed therapy and integration, troches support meaningful healing. - Lower cost enables more consistent therapeutic touchpoints and deeper engagement.

Ease of At-Home Use

Troches can be taken at home under a provider’s guidance, minimizing the need for in-office visits. Clients can incorporate treatment into their daily lives without major disruptions to work or personal responsibilities. They can also engage in integration practices like journaling or resting in a familiar environment post-experience.

Gentle Administration

Troches are non-invasive and taken orally, dissolving slowly in the mouth. This makes them a low-barrier entry for those uncomfortable with needles. The gradual onset of effects can feel more manageable for sensitive or first-time clients..

Ideal for Ongoing or Maintenance Treatment

Troches can be prescribed as part of a maintenance plan following an initial series of in-office sessions of those. They support regular dosing to help maintain neuroplastic benefits and reduce relapse in mood disorders.

Controlled Dosage and Customization

Troche doses can be customized to meet each client’s unique needs and sensitivities. Providers can work with compounding pharmacies to adjust concentration and flavoring, enhancing client comfort and compliance.

Supportive of Psychotherapy Integration

Troches can be used to enhance therapy process, during in person or virtual-assisted therapy, or post-session to enhance neuroplasticity in an integration session. The neurobiological effects last beyond the immediate experience, allowing therapists to work with increased emotional access.

Minimally Disruptive to Daily Life

With proper planning and support, many clients can resume regular activities within a few hours of treatment. Troches offer a discreet and private option. 

What Is a Ketamine Troche?

A ketamine troche (pronounced troh-key or trohsh) is a small, dissolvable tablet or lozenge that is typically placed in the cheek or under the tongue (sublingually or buccally) to be absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth. It delivers ketamine in a non-invasive, gentle, and convenient way that can be used at home or in a therapeutic setting with proper guidance.

Form: A compounded, flavored tablet that dissolves slowly in the mouth (not swallowed).

Absorption: Bypasses most of the digestive system, entering the bloodstream through oral mucosa.

Dosing: Prescribed in customized doses based on the client’s needs, often for low-dose therapeutic or maintenance purposes.

Use: May be paired with psychotherapy, meditation, journaling, breathwork, or other integrative practices.

Why Choose a Troche Over Other Forms of Ketamine?

At-Home Convenience

Troches can often be taken at home under a provider's care, reducing time, travel, and cost. They are ideal for maintenance treatment following initial in-clinic sessions, offering a gentle, sustainable way to continue healing and integration.

Non-Invasive and Gentle

Troches do not involve needles or medical equipment, which many people find more comfortable. The slower absorption leads to a more gradual onset, making the experience easier to navigate for sensitive clients.

Personalized Dosing and Control

Troches can be compounded to specific doses tailored to therapeutic goals. Clients can work at their own pace and adjust dosages with provider guidance.

Less Systemic Impact

Troches offer a lower and more gradual blood plasma concentration compared to IV or IM methods. This means fewer side effects such as dissociation or nausea, and a quicker return to baseline afterward.

Ideal for Integration and Conscious Inner Work

Lower-dose troche experiences can gently open emotional and psychological material for reflection and insight. They work well with therapy to enhance presence, emotional access, and vulnerability.

Why Not Other Forms?

Why Someone Might Choose Troche Instead