Frequently Asked Questions About At-Home Ketamine Treatment

Nasal Spray:

Ketamine nasal spray is self-administered by inserting the nozzle into one nostril, tilting your head slightly forward, and pressing the pump to release a measured dose. You’ll alternate nostrils per your prescribed instructions. Effects typically begin within 5–15 minutes.

Troche (Lozenge):

A ketamine troche is placed between your cheek and gum, or under your tongue, and allowed to dissolve slowly over 5 -15 minutes. Do not chew or swallow it — absorption occurs through the lining of your mouth. Once dissolved, you may spit out any remaining residue.

Rapidly Dissolving Tablet (RDT):

The RDT is placed under your tongue and dissolves within minutes without water. Like the troche, absorption is through the oral mucosa, so avoid swallowing or eating beforehand. Effects begin faster than a troche due to the quicker dissolution — typically within 10–20 minutes.

All sessions should be taken in a safe, comfortable environment with a trusted adult present if possible.

Yes, safety is a top priority. Dr. Mahjoubi provides meticulous oversight, incorporating medical screenings and structured dosing protocols to ensure an effective and secure therapy experience.

Ketamine therapy is generally well-tolerated, but some patients may experience temporary side effects during or shortly after a session. The most common include:

• Dissociation — a dreamy, out-of-body sensation that typically resolves within 30–60 minutes
• Dizziness or lightheadedness — especially when standing up too quickly after a session
• Elevated heart rate or blood pressure — transient and self-limiting in most patients
• Fatigue or drowsiness — many patients feel tired afterward; plan to rest

Less commonly, some patients report mild nausea or a headache, which typically resolve on their own within a few hours if not sooner. If nausea or headache persist, you can pre-treat with zofran (prescribed by Dr. Mahjoubi) or advil, respectively, as needed.

Side effects are temporary and usually subside once the medication clears your system. You should never drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after your session. If you experience anything concerning, contact our care team immediately. Your treatment plan is tailored by a board-certified physician to minimize risk and optimize your experience.

To begin, schedule your initial telehealth consultation with Dr. Mahjoubi. He will assess whether this treatment is right for you and guide you through the next steps. You can begin by filling our form.

Unlike many other programs that offer only one formulation, NutraBrain provides 5 different formulations: the nasal spray, troche, rapidly dissolving tablet, sublingual droplets, and ketamine spray with oxytocin.

No, Spravato is a mirror image of the ketamine molecule that J&J was able to isolate and patent. We aerosolize the same ketamine that has been around for over 60 years and has proven efficacy. This is the same ketamine used in IV infusions at clinics and the same one compounding pharmacies use for the sublingual oral forms.

Dr. David Mahjoubi personalizes each prescription to fit your needs and tolerance level while maintaining strict safety protocols.

Every three months you will receive an email and a text message containing a short questionnaire asking how you are doing. A video or phone call is required every 12 months; you will receive a reminder text and email message with a scheduling link.

The doctor founded the Ketamine Healing Clinics of Los Angeles and Orange County, and has been prescribing Ketamine to patients since 2015.

NutraBrain uses a simple, transparent model: Pay $400 for your first month which includes the first ketamine prescription as well as the video consultation with Dr David. If ketamine benefits you, you can continue as a member for $69 per month. Please note that after the first month you are responsible for paying for the prescription; this cost can range from $75 to $200, depending on your needs. For example, ketamine nasal spray at double the concentration combined with oxytocin is typically around $200, however most patients don’t need this.

Every patient’s needs differ- some require very little ketamine per month, while others require higher doses to keep their anxiety or depression at bay. Thus, charging everyone the same monthly membership would be impossible because prescription costs vary.

No, there is no long term contract, and you can cancel any time.

Absolutely, we use DrChrono for our medical record system and Jotform for form submissions- both are HIPPA compliant.

NutraBrain is ideal for individuals who want personalized medical oversight, dosing and formulation flexibility, and value physician-led care.

Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication that, at therapeutic doses, works differently than traditional antidepressants. Rather than targeting serotonin, ketamine acts on NMDA receptors in the brain, rapidly promoting the growth of new neural connections — a process called neuroplasticity. This is why many patients notice improvements in mood, motivation, and mental clarity within hours to days of their first session, rather than weeks.

Ketamine therapy may be right for you if you have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain and have had limited success with conventional treatments. During your initial consultation, board-certified physician Dr. David Mahjoubi will review your medical history, current medications, and symptoms to determine if ketamine is appropriate and safe for you.

Most patients begin with an induction phase — usage most days of the week for one week — followed by maintenance sessions as needed. Dr. Mahjoubi will personalize your protocol based on your diagnosis, response to treatment, and goals. Many patients notice meaningful improvement after just 2–3 sessions.

Ketamine works faster than most psychiatric medications. Many patients report a noticeable lift in mood, reduced anxiety, or decreased pain within 24–72 hours of their first session. Full benefits often develop over the course of the first month.

During your consultation, Dr. Mahjoubi will conduct a full medication review. Do not stop or adjust any medications without guidance from your prescribing doctor.

At-home ketamine therapy is not typically covered by insurance. NutraBrain offers transparent subscription pricing with no surprise fees, making ongoing treatment accessible and predictable. Our team can provide documentation to support potential out-of-network reimbursement claims.

• Choose a quiet, comfortable, dimly lit space
• Have a trusted adult present or nearby if possible
• Silence your phone and remove any distractions
• Wear comfortable clothing and have an eye mask and calming music ready if desired

Plan to rest and avoid strenuous physical activity. Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for at least 2 hours. Stay hydrated, eat a light meal when ready, and consider journaling any thoughts or feelings — many patients find post-session reflection enhances their results.

NutraBrain is a fully telehealth-based practice currently licensed in 13 states. Visit our intake form to see if we serve your area. We are actively expanding to new states.

We don’t offer a formal pause — your subscription is either active or cancelled. But we’ve built in flexible pathways back if you decide to take a break.

You can cancel anytime through the “Returning Patient” link and “Manage my subscription” on our website. If you decide to come back within 30 days, you can reactivate yourself through that same portal at no extra cost. This self-reactivation is available once every 12 months.

After 30 days — or if you’ve already used your self-reactivation in the past year — restarting requires a re-evaluation video visit with Dr. Mahjoubi ($400, the same as a new patient initial visit). This is a real clinical check-in, not a paperwork step: we use the time to reassess where you are, update your treatment plan, and confirm the protocol that fits you now. The website can’t restart the subscription after the 30-day window.

Yes. Cancelling the subscription doesn’t end your relationship with the practice; it just ends prescription refills. Your chart stays with us, and you remain our patient unless you formally ask to be discharged or there is an extended period of inactivity.