Effects of Zopicloone and Lorazepam on Ect Seizure Duration : Clinical Implications of Findings from an Animal Model

Lorazepam is commonly prescribed to treat insomnia in depressed patients who receive electroconvulsive therapy (ECT); however, lorazepam may interfere with ECT seizure parameters, and may thereby compromise the efficacy of the treatment. This study therefore sought to assess whether zopicione, a hypnotic agent, interferes less with the ECT seizure. For ethical reasons, the study utilized an animal model. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=10/group) received either zopicione (1.5 mg/ kg), lorazepam (0.2 mg/kg), or a placebo equivalent. After 30 minutes, an electroconvulsive shock was administered to the rats. It was observed that the motor seizure duration but not the total motoric phase was significantly attenuated by zopicione. Lorazepam did not impact significantly upon either seizure measure. It is concluded that zopicione may be a suitable hypnotic for patients receiving ECT only if sufficient time is allowed for the drug to be substantially washed out of the body.