Fluoxetine, electroconvulsive therapy, and prolonged seizures. Nursing assessment leads to patient safety

The study sought to find whether the discontinuation of fluoxetine (Prozac) 14 days prior to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) results in positive patient outcome through improved safety and if the administration of Prozac in close proximity to ECT results in prolonged seizures. Patients who had ECT with 14 days' clearance of Prozac had no prolonged seizure activity. The awareness of possible complications resulting from Prozac and ECT soon became evident among the staff, and every effort was made to communicate this. Prozac has been promoted as being safer than tricyclic antidepressants because of its low cardiac toxicity and relative safety in overdoses.