Intensification of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome following periodic electroconvulsive shocks.

Repeated electroconvulsive shocks (ECSs) administered once every 3 days to rats at either of two current intensities led to a progressive intensification of the motor seizure pattern. Moreover, the incidence of convulsive symptoms elicited by subsequent alcohol exposure and withdrawal was greatly increased by prior exposure to the repeated ECSs. These results illustrate a treatment--drug interaction which could have hazardous consequences for patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy. Thus, until the appropriate tests can be conducted on human patients, drug intake following electroconvulsive therapy should be carefully regulated.