Benzodiazepines and ECT Efficacy

Evidence for Reduced Efficacy

• The American College of Psychiatry recommends discontinuing benzodiazepines prior to ECT due to risks of adverse effects, particularly for right unilateral ECT, as benzodiazepines reduce ECT efficacy 1

Clinical Recommendations

• The American College of Psychiatry recommends discontinuing benzodiazepines, lithium, and carbamazepine prior to ECT due to risks of adverse effects 1
• The ESMO guidelines note benzodiazepines are the treatment of choice for alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal delirium, which may necessitate continuation during ECT in select cases 2