Key result
Concurrent ECT and MAOI use shows no evidence of dangerous interactions.
Why the study?
Does continuing MAOIs during electroconvulsive therapy cause dangerous interactions in patients?
Does continuing MAOIs during electroconvulsive therapy cause dangerous interactions in patients?
Continuing MAOIs during electroconvulsive therapy appears safe, with no need for a washout interval before starting ECT.
Supports continuing MAOIs during ECT without washout; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective confirmation.
Concerns have been expressed regarding the use of general anesthesia for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). We review the published literature and present 4 new cases and conclude that there is no evidence of a dangerous interaction between ECT and MAOI use. In general, a cautious approach would be to discontinue MAOIs before ECT if the medication has not been helpful; however, there is no need for a washout interval before starting ECT. Furthermore, if there is otherwise a reason for continuing the MAOI, it can be continued during index ECT or initiated during maintenance ECT.
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Dolenc et al. (2004) conducted a review in Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) requiring electroconvulsive therapy (n=4). Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with concurrent monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) was evaluated on Dangerous interaction between ECT and MAOI use. A review of the literature and 4 new cases found no evidence of a dangerous interaction between electroconvulsive therapy and concurrent monoamine oxidase inhibitor use.
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