title: Electroconvulsive therapy in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Rochester, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
authors.forename: Tamara J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Dolenc
authors.forename: Samar S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Habl
authors.forename: Roxann D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.forename: Keith G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Rasmussen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors