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Can A Marijuana User Receive ECT?

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Posted on Wed, 12 Jul 2023
Question: Can a marijuana user receive ECT?

I have been scheduled to receive ECT. I am a marijuana smoker. They did not ask if I use street drugs. Is it ok to be using pot while receiving ECT?
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Answered by Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, it's safe but make sure they know about all drugs you use.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

ECT is very effective treatment options in many psychiatric diseases. However, because of its serious nature it should only be used if very necessary i.e., either a rapid cintro is needed or drugs have failed to work.
There is no problems reported in using ECT in patients using marijuana; rather this has been used in patients who have severe mental disorders secondary to marijuana use (like psychosis) who do no respond to medial therapy .So don't worry about it .

However, as ECT induces a brief seizures so the doctor must know any drug you are taking. (so they may give you a different dose of the ECT if necessary)
Generally we take a detailed history about all the drugs in such patients and a list is in hand of any drug being used by the patient. So I understand that this should have been asked by the doctor, but it's fine you can always tell them about this. So let them know about this (and anything else you understand necessary) the day you see them. (may be they ask u again once it's your day of ECT).

Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 2305 Questions

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Can A Marijuana User Receive ECT?

Brief Answer: Yes, it's safe but make sure they know about all drugs you use. Detailed Answer: Hi, ECT is very effective treatment options in many psychiatric diseases. However, because of its serious nature it should only be used if very necessary i.e., either a rapid cintro is needed or drugs have failed to work. There is no problems reported in using ECT in patients using marijuana; rather this has been used in patients who have severe mental disorders secondary to marijuana use (like psychosis) who do no respond to medial therapy .So don't worry about it . However, as ECT induces a brief seizures so the doctor must know any drug you are taking. (so they may give you a different dose of the ECT if necessary) Generally we take a detailed history about all the drugs in such patients and a list is in hand of any drug being used by the patient. So I understand that this should have been asked by the doctor, but it's fine you can always tell them about this. So let them know about this (and anything else you understand necessary) the day you see them. (may be they ask u again once it's your day of ECT). Regards