Electroconvulsive therapy in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors

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 a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe journal of ECT Vol. 20; no. 4; p. 258
Main Authors Dolenc, Tamara J, Habl, Samar S, Barnes, Roxann D, Rasmussen, Keith G
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.12.2004
Subjects
Aged
Depressive Disorder, Major - drug therapy
Depressive Disorder, Major - therapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors - pharmacology
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1095-0680
DOI:10.1097/00124509-200412000-00013