Am J Psychiatry 1987; 144:1199-1202
Copyright © 1987 by American Psychiatric Association
Facilitation of ECT by caffeine pretreatment
B Shapira, B Lerer, D Gilboa, H Drexler, S Kugelmass and A Calev
In this study, eight patients participated in a standardized protocol to
assess the effects of caffeine on seizures in ECT. Caffeine sodium benzoate
(500-2000 mg) was administered intravenously 10 minutes before ECT, and
seizure duration was compared with that of a previous treatment unmodified
by caffeine. Seizure duration was significantly increased during ECTs
preceded by caffeine. Three other patients given caffeine when seizures of
adequate duration could no longer be elicited at maximal stimulus levels
experienced longer seizures. Administration of caffeine was not associated
with significant cardiovascular or other (including cognitive) adverse
effects.
