A switch from propofol to etomidate during an ECT course increases EEG and motor seizure duration.

Introduction: Of 58 patients treated at our electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) unit early in the year 2000, 12 patients under propofol did not achieve a seizure duration of >30 s [electroencephalogram (EEG)] with a maximum stimulation charge of 504.0 mC (100%).

Method: A switch from propofol to etomidate was therefore undertaken in these patients at the next treatment to achieve longer seizure duration.