Labetalol does not lengthen asystole during electroconvulsive therapy.
Labetalol, a combined alpha- and beta-adrenergic blocker is often used to attenuate the transient increases in heart rate and blood pressure that accompany electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). It has been suggested that labetalol should not be administered during ECT without the protection provided by anticholinergic medications, because of its potential severe bradycardic effects. We present our experience with 32 patients from all age groups who received labetalol without anticholinergic treatment during ECT. None of the patients demonstrated adverse bradycardic effects. We conclude that administration of labetalol during ECT does not routinely require premedication with anticholinergic drugs and does not lengthen asystole.
Dannon
P N
PN
Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Psychiatry Division, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Iancu
I
I
Hirschmann
S
S
Ross
P
P
Dolberg
O T
OT
Grunhaus
L
L
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007741:Labetalol / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D007741:Labetalol