Facilitation of ECT by intravenous administration of theophylline.
Seven patients with major depression who developed seizure inhibition during a course of ECT, were given intravenous theophylline to increase seizure duration. Infusion of 100-200 mg of theophylline, administered slowly over several minutes approximately 30 min before seizure induction, was found to effectively and safely prolong seizure durations. In a total of 55 treatment sessions, no cardiovascular or other complications were seen. On one occasion, seizure duration was prolonged to 220 s.
Leentjens
A F
AF
Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Rotterdam, Dijkzigt, The Netherlands.
van den Broek
W W
WW
Kusuma
A
A
Bruijn
J A
JA
D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects*; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011292:Premedication; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D058915:Purinergic P1 Receptor Antagonists; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D058915:Purinergic P1 Receptor Antagonists; D013806:Theophylline