Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Vagus Nerve Stimulation As an Adjunctive Neurostimulation Tool in Treatment-resistant Depression
Published on: January 7, 2019
Partial status epilepticus after electroconvulsive therapy and medical treatment with bupropion
Abstract:
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for therapy-refractory depression. Usually, prior antidepressant medication will be continued during ECT. However, the seizure threshold may be influenced by psychotropic drugs. We report a patient who received right unilateral ECT under concomitant treatment with bupropion, a selective noradrenaline- and dopamine-reuptake inhibitor. After the fourth session, a focal status epilepticus occurred, which was pharmacoresistant for the duration of 12 days. We assume that the induction of a status may be facilitated by a lowering of the seizure threshold due to bupropion. An evaluation of drug therapy and control of EEG before and during ECT are recommended, especially when the drug treatment has an influence on the seizure threshold.
Related Concept Videos
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
