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Cited by 123Treatment of Major DepressionElectroconvulsive Therapy StudiesTryptophan and brain disorders

Oral Ketamine for the Rapid Treatment of Depression and Anxiety in Patients Receiving Hospice Care

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Irwin, Scott A., Iglewicz, Alana·2010·Journal of Palliative Medicine
DOI 10.1089/jpm.2010.9808PMC PMC3120058
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Abstract

Depression is prevalent and undertreated in patients receiving hospice care. Standard antidepressants do not work rapidly or often enough to benefit most of these patients. Here, two cases are reported in which a single oral dose of ketamine provided rapid and moderately sustained symptom relief for both depression and anxiety. In addition, no adverse effects were noted. Further investigation with randomized, controlled clinical trials is necessary to firmly establish the effectiveness of oral ketamine for the treatment of depression and anxiety in patients receiving hospice care. Ketamine may be a promising safe, effective, and cost-effective rapid treatment for depression and anxiety in this population.

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  • Since 2008, 11 case studies administered ketamine in varying dosages to 12 palliative or hospice patients to treat anxiety, depression, and suicidality.

    “Since 2008, 11 case studies were published in which ketamine was administered in varying dosages to a total of 12 palliative-or hospice care patients to treat anxiety, depression, and suicidality”

    From Psychedelics for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and existential distress in patients with a terminal illness: a systematic review (2022) · cites this paper as Irwin and Iglewicz, 2010

    The Discussion (page not provided) reports two hospice patients whose depression and anxiety symptoms decreased after a single oral dose of ketamine. It does not document 11 case studies involving 12 patients, varying dosages, or treatment of suicidality. (LLM, conf=0.90)

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References 33 · Cited by 123

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Authors
Irwin, S. A., & Iglewicz, A.
Affiliations
  • San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine (US)
  • University of California San Diego (US)
Corresponding author
Irwin, Scott A.
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Palliative Medicine
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2010-07
Volume
13
Issue
7
Pages
903-908
ISSN
  • 1096-6218 (ISSN-L)
  • 1557-7740
DOI
10.1089/jpm.2010.9808
PMC
PMC3120058
OpenAlex
W2131619687
Cited by
123
References
33
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 14 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 16 · 2012: 7
FWCI
6.84
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
www.liebertpub.com/nv/resources-tools/text-and-data-mining-policy/121/ (tdm)
Locations
  • Journal of Palliative Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • University of California, San Diego
  • National Institute of Mental Health (K23MH091176)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Electroconvulsive Therapy Studies
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Biological Psychiatry › Tryptophan and brain disorders
Keywords
ketamine, oral ketamine, depression, anxiety, hospice care, terminal illness, antidepressant treatment, palliative care
MeSH terms
Administration, Oral, Aged, Analgesics, Antidepressive Agents, Anxiety, Depressive Disorder, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Female, Humans, Ketamine, Male, Middle Aged, Hospice Care

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