Table 2.

Differences among anesthetic agents and muscle relaxants.

Drug	Dose (mg/kg)	Benefits	Side effects
Anesthetic agents
Methohexital	0.75–1.0	Rapid action Less post-ECT confusion	–
Thiopental	2.0–4.0	–	Increased risk of bradycardia
Propofol	1.0–1.5	Less cardiotoxicity Shorter half-life	Reduced duration of seizure
Etomidate	0.15–0.3	Minimal cardiac side effects; low anticonvulsant effects	Post-ECT confusion
Ketamine	1.5–2.0	–	Cardiotoxicity Transient psychosis
Muscle relaxants
Succinylcholine	0.5–1.25	Rapid onset Fast offset	Hyperkalemia
Mivacurium	0.2	Alternative to succinylcholine	Longer acting; requires reversal

ECT: Electroconvulsive therapy.