Ketamine Therapy for Palliative Care in Phoenix, AZ is an innovative treatment that helps individuals facing serious or terminal illnesses manage pain, emotional distress, and anxiety. At Kadelyx, we offer expert ketamine treatments to improve comfort and well-being when traditional options fall short.

At Kadelyx in Phoenix, Arizona, we offer ketamine therapy as part of a comprehensive palliative care approach, helping patients manage chronic pain, depression, and end-of-life anxiety when other treatments fall short.

How Ketamine Helps in Palliative Care

Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine has been found to provide powerful relief for pain and depression while also offering psychoactive effects that can help patients find peace and clarity in their final stage of life.

Ketamine for Pain Relief in Palliative Care

Many patients in palliative care suffer from severe, treatment-resistant pain that standard medications fail to control. Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors, which are responsible for sending pain signals to the brain.

This unique mechanism makes ketamine highly effective for:

✔ Neuropathic Pain – Nerve damage pain, often described as burning or tingling.
✔ Refractory Cancer Pain – Pain that does not respond to opioids or other treatments.
✔ Bone Metastatic Pain – Severe pain caused by cancer spreading to bones.
✔ Ischemic Pain – Pain from reduced blood flow, seen in advanced vascular disease.

Ketamine can provide rapid and lasting relief, helping patients remain as comfortable as possible during palliative care.

Ketamine for Depression & Anxiety in Palliative Care

Beyond physical symptoms, many patients in end-of-life care experience severe depression, anxiety, and distress related to their prognosis.

Ketamine therapy provides:

✔ Fast-acting antidepressant effects – Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine begins working within hours instead of weeks.
✔ Reduced suicidal thoughts – Ketamine has been shown to dramatically lower suicidal ideation, offering relief for those struggling with hopelessness.
✔ Decreased end-of-life anxiety – Ketamine’s dissociative effects can help patients reframe existential fears, bringing peace and acceptance.

At Kadelyx in Phoenix, we specialize in using ketamine for mental health support in palliative care, helping patients navigate their final journey with dignity and comfort.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Ketamine for Palliative Care

Scientific research supports the effectiveness of ketamine in various aspects of palliative care. Some examples of studies include:

• Cancer Pain Relief: A study of 70 patients with refractory cancer pain showed significant pain reduction, with 33 patients reporting over 50% relief in pain intensity.
• Neuropathic Pain Treatment: A review of 18 randomized control trials found that ketamine significantly reduced neuropathic pain intensity one week and one month after treatment.
• Ischemic Pain: In a controlled trial, 18 patients with critical limb ischemia experienced a 65% reduction in pain 24 hours post-infusion and a 69% reduction after five days.
• Depression in Hospice Care: A study involving cancer patients showed a single dose of ketamine had significant antidepressant effects in 44% of patients. 
• End-of-Life Anxiety: In a controlled study, S-ketamine (a derivative of ketamine) significantly reduced anxiety in palliative care patients.

What to Expect from Ketamine Therapy in Palliative Care

At Kadelyx in Phoenix, AZ, we offer three types of ketamine treatment depending on your specific needs:

1. Ketamine for Pain Relief

Ketamine is commonly administered as an oral tablet for chronic pain. However, for serious pain, such as in palliative care, intravenous (IV) ketamine may be more appropriate. This often involves a prolonged infusion over many hours, starting at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg/hour and incrementally increasing throughout the treatment. 

2. Ketamine for Depression & Suicidal Thoughts

Clinicians typically use low-dose IV ketamine infusions to rapidly address depression and suicidal thoughts. Most patients begin with six infusions over 2-3 weeks, with doses starting at 0.5 mg/kg.

3. Ketamine for End-of-Life Emotional Support

Ketamine may be delivered in a psychedelic-assisted therapy model, which involves using a higher dose of ketamine that results in more strongly felt psychoactive effects. 

Ketamine is a dissociative, altering someone’s typical experience of their body and reality. These states can foster introspection and emotional release. When combined with talk therapy, ketamine helps patients process existential concerns and potentially find comfort in the prospect of death.

Is Ketamine Safe for Palliative Care Patients?

When administered in a medical setting like Kadelyx, ketamine is safe and well-tolerated. However, some mild side effects can occur, including:

✔ Nausea or dizziness
✔ Short-term dissociation (feeling detached from reality)
✔ Temporary increases in heart rate or blood pressure

For patients already taking opioids or other pain medications, our expert team carefully adjusts doses to prevent excess sedation while maximizing comfort.

Why Choose Kadelyx for Ketamine Therapy in Phoenix, AZ?

At Kadelyx, we understand the importance of compassionate, personalized care during this difficult time. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard, valued, and cared for.

What Sets Us Apart?

• Skilled Expertise: Our experienced medical team is expertly trained in safely administering and monitoring ketamine therapy, ensuring that patients feel comfortable and well-cared for throughout the process.
• Tailored Care: We understand that every patient is unique, so we create individualized treatment plans carefully designed to meet each person’s specific needs. We also collaborate with families to provide a supportive and understanding care experience.
• Serene Environment: Located in Phoenix, our clinic offers a peaceful and luxurious space where patients and their loved ones can find comfort, tranquility, and respite during this time.
• Holistic Support: We are proud to work alongside your palliative care or hospice team, as well as your family and close friends, to maximize the therapeutic benefits of ketamine therapy and enhance your overall care experience.

Key Takeaways

• Ketamine can provide significant relief from pain, depression, and anxiety in palliative care patients.
• Clinical studies support ketamine’s effectiveness in improving the quality of life for those facing serious illness.
• Under proper medical supervision, ketamine therapy can be a safe and valuable option for individuals in palliative care.
• Kadelyx offers expert, patient-centered ketamine therapy designed to enhance comfort and mental well-being during end-of-life care. 

For more information, get in touch with our team either by call or email.