Ketamine for End-of-Life Anxiety: How It’s Used in Palliative Care

End-of-life anxiety is a perfectly normal response to confronting mortality. But "normal" doesn't necessarily mean that these feelings are easy to manage—or that you have to struggle through them alone.

Ketamine is one method of alleviating the fears, existential concerns, and psychological distress that often come with terminal illness. To help you make an informed treatment decision, let’s explore how ketamine treatments work and what you can expect from them.

How Ketamine Treatments Help Manage Anxiety & Depression

To understand ketamine treatment, it’s important to first recognize how it differs from conventional antidepressants.

Most traditional antidepressants work gradually to increase neurotransmitters like serotonin, a natural body chemical that controls mood. The trouble with conventional treatment methods, though, is that they can take several weeks or longer for patients to find relief. And finding relief often means experimenting with different doses and medication types.

Ketamine, on the other hand, targets a brain chemical called glutamate (not serotonin). This approach offers a few benefits over traditional medications:

• Rapid relief: Many patients experience significant symptom improvement after a single treatment session.
• A better alternative: Even after trying multiple antidepressants, many patients still do not find relief. Ketamine is often an effective treatment method when other medications fail.
• Addressing multiple symptoms at once: While many have heard about ketamine for depression, fewer know that it can also help with pain management.

Ketamine Treatments In Palliative Care

How It Is Administered

In palliative care settings, ketamine is typically administered through an IV, which ensures proper dosage and immediate effects. In general, each session takes between 2-3 hours, including:

• 20-30 minutes to prepare the ketamine and anxiety treatment
• 40-60 minutes for the infusion
• 30-60 minutes for post-treatment monitoring

Many patients report immediate and sustained relief after only a single session at our wellness center.

Dosage & Follow-Up Frequency

Ketamine infusion doses are calculated based on the patient’s weight and condition. For long-term management, many patients benefit from a standard protocol of six infusions administered over 2-6 weeks. After the initial sessions, some patients find they no longer need treatment, while others receive “booster” infusions every 3-4 weeks.

Potential Benefits

If you are experiencing end-of-life anxiety or depression, ketamine treatments offer many benefits:

• Immediate relief: While traditional antidepressants may take several weeks to work, ketamine can begin working immediately after a single dose.
• Improved emotional well-being: Many patients report feeling a sense of peace and serenity that significantly reduces their anxiety about death.
• Enhanced quality of life: After a single dose, some patients report a renewed interest in activities that once gave them immense pleasure and fulfillment.
• Dual relief: While ketamine can help relieve end-of-life anxiety, it may also reduce physical pain, making it ideal for patients experiencing multiple symptoms.
• Breakthrough treatment: When other medications prove ineffective, ketamine treatments can be successful because they target different areas of the brain.

Beyond Traditional Treatment, Beyond Traditional Results

Wondering if ketamine infusion is right for you? Whether you've been let down by traditional antidepressants and need immediate relief or you are struggling with both physical and emotional symptoms near the end of life, we can help. Our compassionate team is here to answer all of your questions and guide you through the process. Schedule a consultation today!

Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine if ketamine therapy is suitable for your unique situation.