Objective:There have been concerns raised about concurrent use of Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT) and cholinesterase inhibitors, especially Donepezil in view of its long half-life (Boman, 2002). The concerns are related to the potential for prolonged apnoea and cardiac arrythmias such as significant bradycardia and asystole due to synergistic action between cholinesterase inhibitors, suxamethonium and ECT (Boman, 2002).
Design:Single case report.
Materials and Methods:We report the case of a 76-year-old male suffering from Recurrent Major Depressive disorder current episode severe with Psychotic features and Alzheimer’s disease. He was on ongoing cholinesterase inhibitor treatment with Donepezil for over one year. We treated him with 9 sessions of Right Unilateral suprathreshold ECT including the initial dose titration session.
Results:The patient had a reduction in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores from 31 to 12 at the end of ECT sessions. There was no significant deterioration in memory and cognitive functions in this time (MMSE 26 to 23). He did not suffer from prolonged apnoea or impairment in cardiovascular function during all sessions of ECT.
Conclusion:We demonstrate the safe usage of ECT in an elderly person with ongoing Donepezil therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.
Back to PB Tuesday Poster Sessions
Back to The Eleventh International Congress