Facilitation of ECT by intravenous administration of theophylline.

Seven patients with major depression who developed seizure inhibition during a course of ECT, were given intravenous theophylline to increase seizure duration. Infusion of 100-200 mg of theophylline, administered slowly over several minutes ∼30 min before seizure induction, was found to effectively and safely prolong seizure durations. In a total of 55 treatment sessions, no cardiovascular or other complications were seen. On one occasion, seizure duration was prolonged to 220 s.