Transdermal selegiline in patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy

Psychosomatics. 2010 Mar-Apr;51(2):176-8. doi: 10.1176/appi.psy.51.2.176.

Abstract

Background: Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) during a course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is controversial.

Objective: In this report, the authors present outcomes of this concurrent treatment approach.

Method: The authors present two cases of patients taking the newest MAOI approved for depression, namely, transdermal selegiline, while receiving ECT.

Results: The authors conclude that there is no evidence of complications or adverse events associated with concurrent use of ECT and low-dose transdermally administered selegiline.

Conclusion: The authors further conclude that beginning a low dose of transdermal selegiline before finishing a course of ECT is a viable option for relapse prevention in the treatment of depression.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy*
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Selegiline / administration & dosage
  • Selegiline / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
  • Selegiline