Methohexital is considered the gold standard for ECT because it decreases the seizure threshold and yields a better quality seizure. What is its induction dose?

Methohexital is considered the gold standard for ECT because it decreases the seizure threshold and yields a better quality seizure. What is its induction dose?

• A. 1-1.5 mg/kg
• B. 0.5-1 mg/kg
• C. 2-3 mg/kg
• D. 0.1-0.5 mg/kg

Answer: (A)

In ECT, you want anesthesia that acts quickly, wears off promptly, and doesn’t excessively blunt the seizure. Methohexital fits well because it provides rapid onset and a short duration with relatively minimal interference with the seizure, allowing a robust, well-formed seizure and quick recovery afterward. The usual induction dose is about 1 to 1.5 mg/kg, which reliably renders the patient unconscious within seconds and supports a good-quality seizure. Doses higher than this can deepen anesthesia and may prolong recovery or hamper the seizure, while doses much lower might not provide adequate anesthesia. So, 1 to 1.5 mg/kg is the appropriate induction range.

In ECT, you want anesthesia that acts quickly, wears off promptly, and doesn’t excessively blunt the seizure. Methohexital fits well because it provides rapid onset and a short duration with relatively minimal interference with the seizure, allowing a robust, well-formed seizure and quick recovery afterward. The usual induction dose is about 1 to 1.5 mg/kg, which reliably renders the patient unconscious within seconds and supports a good-quality seizure. Doses higher than this can deepen anesthesia and may prolong recovery or hamper the seizure, while doses much lower might not provide adequate anesthesia. So, 1 to 1.5 mg/kg is the appropriate induction range.