Succinyl-Choline-Iodide as a Muscular Relaxant in Electroshock Therapy

Succinyl-choline-iodide has been used to produce muscular relaxation in 136 patients in connection with 512 electroshock treatments. A method is described in which the preparation is administered intravenously in a mixture with a rapidly acting barbiturate. The powerful and brief effect of succinyl-choline-iodide makes it possible to reduce the convulsions until they are practically negligible, without the risk of prolonged respiratory difficulties. Except for an insignificant vertebral fracture no serious complications were observed either during or after the treatments. In the opinion of the writers, succinyl-choline-iodide is particularly suitable for routine use in connection with electroshock therapy.