THE USE OF ANECTINE (SUCCINYL-CHOLINE-CHLORIDE) IN ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY—A SIMPLIFIED TECHNIQUE

Abstract

A technique for administration of electroconvulsive therapy using Anectine as a muscle relaxant was described. Anectine used in the manner described is both simple and safe to use. The use of this technique had reduced the orthopedic morbidity to zero in our series (with one questionable exception) and has resulted in no serious complications. With this technique the number of patients who may be given electroconvulsive therapy with safety is significantly increased. Impairment of liver function increases the risk of complications resulting from the administration of Anectine; thus, when any doubt exists, thorough liver function studies should be done prior to treatment. Anectine should not be used, if definite evidence of impairment is present. With the method described, there was no adverse effect upon the therapeutic response, nor was there an increase in the number of treatments required for response.