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Intravenous versus intramuscular atropine in ECT.
B A Kramer1, A Afrasiabi, V E Pollock
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Intravenous atropine administration for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is recommended. While both intravenous and intramuscular routes showed no significant differences in vital signs or sialorrhea, IV atropine reduced injection frequency and side effects like dry mouth and tachycardia.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atropine is commonly used during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to mitigate bradycardia and secretions.
- The route of atropine administration (intravenous vs. intramuscular) may influence patient comfort and treatment efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and side effect profiles of intravenous versus intramuscular atropine administration in patients undergoing ECT.
- To determine the optimal route for atropine delivery in the context of ECT procedures.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving twelve patients undergoing ECT.
- Patients were assigned to receive either intravenous or intramuscular atropine.
- Hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, blood pressure) and sialorrhea were monitored.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in heart rate, blood pressure, or sialorrhea between intravenous and intramuscular atropine groups.
- Intravenous administration eliminated the need for an additional injection per treatment.
- Intravenous atropine mitigated the occurrence of dry mouth and tachycardia observed after intramuscular injection.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous administration of atropine is a viable and potentially more convenient alternative to intramuscular administration for ECT.
- The findings support the use of intravenous atropine to enhance patient experience by reducing injection-related side effects.