Dexmedetomidine and the Successful Management of Electroconvulsive Therapy Postictal Agitation

Abstract

Postictal agitation after electroconvulsive therapy is a common and serious condition and when severe, requires prompt intervention to safeguard the patient and medical staff from the potential for mayhem and physical harm. We present a case report on the successful use of dexmedetomidine, an alpha2 agonist, in the postictal management of severe agitation in a 34-year-old morbidly obese woman, after prior modes of intervention had failed to deliver ideal conditions.