Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins
09:07

Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins

Published on: August 15, 2017

Electroconvulsive therapy in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Tamara J Dolenc1, Samar S Habl, Roxann D Barnes

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Rochester, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

The Journal of ECT
|December 14, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is safe with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Discontinuing MAOIs before ECT is only necessary if ineffective, with no required washout period for safety.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychopharmacology

Background:

  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a vital treatment for severe mental health conditions.
  • Concerns exist regarding the concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and general anesthesia during ECT.

Observation:

  • This study reviews existing literature and presents four new patient cases.
  • The review focuses on the safety profile of combining MAOIs with ECT.

Findings:

  • No evidence suggests a dangerous interaction between ECT and MAOI use.
  • MAOIs can be safely continued during index or maintenance ECT if clinically indicated.

Implications:

  • Patients on MAOIs can undergo ECT without mandatory medication cessation.
  • Clinical decisions regarding MAOI use during ECT should be individualized based on treatment efficacy and necessity.

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