DOES PIRACETAM COUNTERACT THE ECT‐INDUCED MEMORY DYSFUNCTIONS IN DEPRESSED PATIENTS?

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Abstract
A double‐blind, intra‐individual cross‐over comparison of the effect of piracetam on retrograde memory impairment as measured by the KS memory test battery was performed in connection with second and third Bi‐ECT in 18 inpatients diagnosed as suffering from depression. The seizure duration and the post‐ECT EEG patterns were examined visually and the post‐ECT confusion time was measured. Piracetam was given orally in the dose of 4.8 g/day for 3 days. No significant effects were obtained on memory scores, electrical stimulus duration, EEG pattern or post‐ECT confusion time. The findings may indicate that the protective effect of piracetam shown in animal electroconvulsive stimulation (ECS) is due to a counteraction of the disturbing effect of hypoxia on memory functions. It is concluded that more information is needed as regards the pharmacokinetics and the mode of action of the drug.