Effect of piracetam on ECT-induced cognitive disturbances: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is still the fastest, most effective, and frequently life-saving therapeutic intervention in several forms of depression and some other psychiatric disorders. Transient memory disturbances are frequent after ECT. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to investigate the effects of piracetam on ECT-induced confusion and memory disturbances. Thirty-eight consecutively admitted patients with depressive illness or schizophrenia requiring ECT were given either piracetam or an identical-looking placebo during the period of ECT treatment and for 2 weeks afterward. Daily dosage of piracetam was 7.2 g, given orally for the first 2 weeks while patients underwent ECT (loading phase), followed by 4.8 g for the rest of the study period. Participants were evaluated by standardized clinical rating scales and cognitive psychologic tests 1 to 2 days before ECT, 1 day after their third and sixth ECT treatments, and 2 weeks after they had completed their ECT courses. Piracetam had no significant effect in preventing ECT-induced memory disturbances. All clinical ratings were consistently, albeit not significantly, better in the piracetam group, suggesting that piracetam may have augmented the effects of ECT.
Tang
Wai Kwong
WK
Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China. tangwk@cuhk.edu.hk
Ungvari
Gabor S
GS
Leung
Henry Chi Ming
HC
D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010889:Piracetam / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010919:Placebos; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*; D017211:Treatment Failure
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D010919:Placebos; D010889:Piracetam