[Is it advisable to combine electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with psychotropics?].
BACKGROUND
Psychotropic medication is sometimes tapered prior to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) because of concern about interactions.


METHODS
The published literature is reviewed to find grounds for these concerns.


RESULTS
ECT can be combined safely with most psychotropics. Combination treatment with lithium can cause complications, but termination of lithium is not always necessary. Combination treatment with venlafaxin in doses higher than 300 mg daily can cause serious complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The recommendation in the Dutch guidelines not to combine ECT with psychotropics because of possible interactions needs to be reconsidered. A specific recommendation is needed for each psychotropic medication.
Kho
K H
KH
Psychiater en vervangend A-opleider bij ggz Delfland te Delft. k.kho@ggz-delfland.nl
D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D018020:Lithium Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D003511:Cyclohexanols; D018020:Lithium Compounds; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride