REPORT ON THE USE OF SUCCINYL CHOLINE DICHLORIDE (A CURARE-LIKE DRUG) IN ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY
B. F. MOSS JR. M. D.,
C. H. THIGPEN M. D., , and
W. P. ROBISON M. D.1
1 Department of Neuropsychiatry, Medical College of Georgia, University Hospital, Augusta, Ga.
Succinyl choline dichloride i.v. is a useful drug to produce muscular relaxation in patients receiving ECT who would otherwise be poor risks because of susceptibility to fractures and pre-existing fractures. It has also proved of value in treating severely disabled cardiac patients for whom even slight exertion may be dangerous. This drug is potent and effective, but ultra-short-acting, seldom lasting more than 5 minutes. Artificial respiration is easily and adequately performed by standard routine methods. Oxygenation can be maintained at levels superior to that of bed rest. No untoward effects have yet been observed in over 300 electric treatments.
