Joyous offers very low-dose ketamine therapy (10mg-120mg) for the treatment of anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, and more.
Joyous ketamine therapy may be a safer and more effective treatment option for some individuals who have tried more traditional therapy or treatment and felt that it wasn’t the right fit for their needs, or experienced too many medication-related side effects. According to the company, their low-dose oral ketamine treatment is considered well-tolerated by many, with no withdrawal symptoms and little to no side effects.
Ketamine is a legal medication when prescribed in the United States. In 1970 it was FDA-approved for use as an anesthetic for surgeries or other medical procedures. In addition, in 2019 a ketamine variation was FDA-approved in nasal spray form, which is used, along with oral antidepressant drugs, for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a serious condition.
Keep in mind that research on low-dose ketamine in oral form is very limited. Many studies tend to focus on higher doses of the drug in injectable, intravenous, or nasal spray form that produce psychedelic effects and are administered less frequently. Joyous offers a daily microdose, or psycholytic dose, that doesn’t aim to produce psychedelic effects, but instead focuses on supporting improved mood, neural connectivity, and new, meaningful insights. The company offers customized dosing and daily monitoring, and notes that many individuals feel the medication’s effects immediately, with significant changes occurring within five days for some.
In this Joyous review, we discuss the company’s pros and cons, as well as the benefits, safety, and side effects of their low-dose ketamine treatment. We also compare Joyous to other options for ketamine therapy so you can decide if this treatment is right for you.
Joyous Ketamine Cost
Joyous ketamine treatment costs $129 per month with no commitment; join for a month or as long as you want. The monthly fee includes the initial assessment, a telehealth medical consultation, medication delivery, daily check-ins, and access to the care team. In some cases, Joyous financial assistance may be available.
Joyous Ketamine Therapy Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very low-dose ketamine therapy means very minimal downtime or recovery time is needed for many individuals
- May be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions and concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, and more
- Reduced side effects and no known withdrawal symptoms when taken as prescribed
- Dosing is customized to each individual’s needs, allowing for the most effective and comfortable treatment experience possible
- Results tend to happen fast, with some effects being felt immediately
- Daily monitoring to support each individual throughout the treatment process
- Medication is delivered to your home, making staying on treatment easier
- One of the lowest cost at-home ketamine treatments currently available
Cons
- Only available in certain states, which won’t work for everyone
- No talk therapy component, which some people may prefer to have included in the ketamine treatment program they select
How Does Joyous Ketamine Treatment Work?
Joyous is a very low-dose ketamine treatment for people experiencing depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress, and more. To determine who is an appropriate candidate for this type of treatment, individuals will first take a self-assessment. Based on their answers, qualifying individuals will then be asked to schedule a telehealth medical consultation. During this appointment, a medical professional may go over your health history, previous treatments used, and outcomes.
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If ketamine therapy seems to be a good fit, customized dosages are created based on each individual’s specific needs and treatment goals. Individuals are monitored throughout the process with daily check-ins to ensure the dosage works well.
How Ketamine Therapy Works
Mental health conditions can negatively impact how well the brain functions. In fact, research notes that certain mental health conditions are associated with decreased neural connections and, in some cases, loss of gray matter volume, a type of tissue in the brain that plays a role in emotions, movement, and memory.
One way ketamine is thought to work is through promoting neural plasticity, specifically synaptogenesis, or the ability to build new neural connections in the brain. By doing so, and at a rapid pace (within 12 hours), ketamine therapy may make for an effective and fast-acting alternative treatment option for certain individuals.
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In addition, ketamine interacts with several systems, including the brain’s opioid system, glutamate system, and more. These interactions are associated with its antidepressant, anti-anxiety, as well as pain-reducing effects.
Related reading: How Does Ketamine Therapy Work? Everything You Need to Know
Joyous Ketamine Therapy
Joyous ketamine treatments are micro-dosed, so they do not produce psychedelic effects, but instead cause a state of calm, allowing some individuals to process emotions in a clear-headed and less overwhelming way. In addition, the treatment aims to allow individuals to experience the benefits of ketamine treatment, including its ability to build new neural connections, while reducing the intensity and risks that can be associated with higher doses. According to the company, their ketamine treatment isn’t associated with any withdrawal symptoms and most people experience little to no side effects.
Is Joyous legal?
Joyous ketamine therapy is legal when prescribed for use in the United States.
Joyous Ketamine Dosage
Joyous ketamine dosages range from 10mg-120mg taken on a daily basis. However, dosages can be customized to suit each individual’s needs and treatment goals. After assessment and consultation, the Joyous Team will determine the customized dosing of your Joyous medication, which can be altered during therapy to optimize results and reduce side effects if experienced.
Joyous is in the form of a lozenge that is absorbed sublingually, or under the tongue. This form provides immediate medication delivery to the bloodstream, allowing for faster results.
Where Is Joyous Available?
Currently, Joyous is available in:
Joyous is available here
Benefits: Does Joyous Ketamine Work?
Research on daily oral ketamine notes that it may be an effective and fast-acting treatment for individuals experiencing mental health conditions or concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, and more, however, more research is still needed.
In addition, many individuals treated with low-dose ketamine acknowledge that they feel less depressed, anxious, and stressed, as well as experience clearer thinking. Many individuals report that the positive effects of low-dose ketamine are felt within three to five days of starting therapy. This is considered fast-acting, especially when compared to traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to months to be effective.
Other benefits of very low-dose ketamine treatment may include:
- Enhanced neuroplasticity, an especially important mechanism as long-term stress and certain mental health conditions can lead to the loss of neural connections, which can impact cognitive function
- Calm and relaxed feelings with a quick onset, as Joyous’ ketamine treatment acts as a psycholytic, not a psychedelic
- Supporting emotional processing in some individuals
- The ability to be used as needed, with long-lasting effects in some individuals
- Offering better tolerability than higher dose ketamine therapy, which, in some cases, requires an individual to be monitored while taking it, can be more intense in terms of emotional stress and side effects, and requires longer recovery time.
What does Joyous ketamine feel like?
In some individuals taking Joyous ketamine may lead to feeling calm, light, and peaceful. It may also leave some more open to emotional change. Additionally, some may experience reduced feelings of stress, and decreased symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. However, experiences will differ from person to person.
Why We Recommend Joyous Ketamine Program
In addition to the benefits that very low-dose ketamine therapy may offer, we recommend Joyous because the program provides ongoing support, convenient at-home treatment, and accessible care.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on the self-assessment and telehealth appointment, the Joyous Team will create a customized treatment plan based on each person’s symptoms and goals. Customized dosages can be changed if needed to better suit each individual’s needs.
Ongoing Support
Daily text and check-in surveys help ensure that individuals get the most from their treatment. This also allows the Joyous team to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
24/7 Access to Care Team
Always available by text or email, The Care Team responds to any questions and concerns that may come up throughout the treatment process. This may help individuals feel more comfortable during their treatment.
In-Home, Affordable Treatment
Joyous offers accessible treatment without the need to go to a clinic. Medication is delivered to your home for you to self-administer daily. The company also aims to keep the cost of treatment as affordable as possible and notes that anyone who is unable to access treatment because of cost can reach out for further assistance.
Joyous Ketamine Medication Side Effects and Safety
Joyous ketamine treatment may cause side effects in certain individuals, including:
- Mild lightheadedness
- Feeling out of it
- Possible nausea
According to the company, these side effects are considered typical and may be alleviated with adjustments to your dosing.
Is Joyous Ketamine Safe?
In general, Joyous ketamine therapy may be considered safe and appropriate for treating certain mental health conditions in individuals who have tried other treatments, like antidepressants, but did not find them to be effective.
Joyous may not be appropriate for use in people who have been diagnosed with certain conditions, including schizophrenia, psychosis, or dementia. In addition, pregnant people or individuals who are breastfeeding should avoid ketamine therapy.
In some cases, Joyous can safely be taken with a current antidepressant, which may lead to an improved response. However, ketamine may interact with other medications. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any health conditions you may have, as well as if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or vitamins prior to trying ketamine therapy.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
As with any new medication, seek urgent medical care if you experience any breathing difficulties, chest pain, seizure, loss of consciousness, or a significant change in heart rate.
Best Online Ketamine Therapy Programs | Joyous | Mindbloom | Nue Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package price | $129/month | 3 monthly payments of $386 (total: $1,158) | 4 payments of about $350 over 6 weeks (total: $1,399) |
| Number of ketamine treatments | 30-day daily supply of low-dose medication | 6 treatments 1 time a week for 4-6 weeks | 6 treatments 1-2 times a week for 4 weeks |
| Medication form | Lozenges | Tablets | Lozenges |
| Ketamine dosage | 10 to 120 mg | 10 to 800 mg | Not given |
| Personalized dosage? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ongoing dose adjustments? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Requires trip sitters? | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Support via app? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Number of medical consultations | Once every 21-35 days | 6 | 3 |
| 24/7 access to care team? | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Offers integration therapy? | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| FSA/HSA eligible? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Where are they available? | AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, IA, IL, MA, ME, MO, MT, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SD, TN, TX, VT, WA, WI, WY | AZ, CA, CO, DE,D.C., FL, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, NE,NV, NM, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, GA, WA,WV, WI, WY | AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, MA, MI, NJ, NY, TN, TX, WA, WI |
| Website |
Joyous vs. Mindbloom
Joyous is a very low-dose lozenge taken daily for continuous treatment. Mindbloom is a macro-dose that is taken once a week. Both products are absorbed sublingually, allowing for faster absorption and response. Mindbloom requires a Peer Treatment Monitor to be in your home during your treatment session. With Joyous, you can take your medication in your home without needing another person to monitor you.
The costs differ substantially between the two companies. Joyous costs $129 per month. Mindbloom costs three monthly payments of $386, totaling $1,158. Mindbloom is available in 35 States and Joyous in 28 States. Mindbloom has unlimited group integration sessions, a form of group therapy. Joyous offers daily text messages and check-in surveys, as well as access to the Joyous Care Team.
The experience will differ as Joyous is a gentle psycholytic treatment and Mindbloom is a psychedelic treatment, which tends to be more intense. Because of this difference, Mindbloom requires 24 hours of recovery after treatment, while Joyous has minimal downtime.
Related reading: Mindbloom Review- Is Online Ketamine Therapy Really Worth It?
Joyous vs. Nue Life
Joyous is a very low-dose lozenge taken daily for continuous treatment. Nue Life is a macro-dose that consists of six treatments that occur 1-2 times per week for four weeks. The costs differ substantially, with Joyous costing $129 per month and Nue Life consisting of four payments of $350 over six weeks for a total of $1,399. Joyous is available in 28 States, and Nue Life is available in 15 States.
The experience will differ as Joyous is a gentle psycholytic treatment and Nue Life is a psychedelic treatment, which may be more intense for certain individuals. Because of this difference, Nue Life requires 24 hours of recovery after treatment, while in contrast, Joyous has minimal recovery time.
Related reading: Nue Life Ketamine Therapy Review- Pricing, Experience, and More
Joyous vs. I.V. Ketamine Therapy Treatment
Joyous is a very low-dose lozenge taken daily for continuous treatment. Intravenous ketamine therapy typically requires six infusions over 2-3 weeks and one infusion every 2-6 weeks afterward. Receiving the infusion takes about an hour and requires 24 hours of recovery; Joyous has minimal downtime. The psychedelic experience with intravenous ketamine may be intense, while Joyous tends to be more gentle and non-psychedelic.
Dosing for intravenous ketamine must be done in a medical center or clinic, which can complicate scheduling compared to taking Joyous in the comfort of your own home. The cost of intravenous ketamine treatment ranges from $400 – $1,200 per session, which would be $2,400 – $7,200 for the first six sessions; Joyous costs $129 per month.
Joyous Ketamine Reviews From Reddit and More
In general, some people report that Joyous ketamine therapy helps them experience less intrusive thoughts, as well as reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. In addition, others report experiencing better sleep and an increased ability to focus. However, some people mention that during the first day or two of treatment that they did not experience the effects they were hoping for.
The Verdict: Is Joyous Ketamine Legit?
The Joyous ketamine treatment program is ideal for people who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, difficulty sleeping, and more. In particular, people who have tried antidepressants or other therapies with little or no success may find relief with low-dose ketamine treatment.
Joyous offers a more affordable, very low-dose daily medication, which allows for a more gentle psycholytic experience that doesn’t require a sitter and limits downtime. The cost of Joyous therapy also aims to be as accessible as possible, even offering additional assistance for individuals who are interested in the program, but are unable to afford the monthly fee.
Keep in mind that Joyous doesn’t offer any therapy sessions, which some ketamine programs include. However, for those looking for a more affordable, at-home, and low-dose ketamine treatment program, Joyous may be a good option to explore.
FAQs
Yes, Joyous accepts HSA and FSA funds for payment. Insurance does not usually cover treatment.
You can cancel your subscription anytime before your refill is mailed out by contacting the Joyous care team.
Joyous does not contact your primary care doctor unless you want them to.
Joyous does not usually run promo codes. However, the company aims to provide access to mental health treatment for everyone, so if an individual is unable to afford treatment, they may reach out to the company for further assistance.
Methodology
We conducted extensive research to evaluate the pricing, effectiveness, accessibility, overall quality, customer support, and ease of use of Joyous ketamine treatment, which also included comparing the company to multiple types of ketamine treatments.
Other factors we investigated before choosing the best ketamine treatment program included convenience, access to healthcare providers, payment options, and support offered. For best overall, Joyous stood out for its cost, effectiveness, and support for people seeking ketamine therapy.
