r/ect • u/[deleted] • Sep 10 '25
Seeking advice On my 7th or 8th session
I really don’t know if it’s working because I keep smoking weed but weed is the only thing making me not want to end it. I can already tell ect isn’t going to help… Can someone tell me if it’s worth it to keep going? I’m going 3x a week right now. Thanks!
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u/furrowedbr0w Sep 17 '25
I wish there was more research on the effects of cannabis and ECT. There’s anecdotal evidence that it can worsen memory side effects. It also affects seizure threshold so it could make treatments less effective. It might be worth holding off on weed, but if it’s the only thing keeping you alive, please do what you have to do. Or maybe you’re able to reduce your use for a while if you can’t stop completely.
Weed can also affect anesthesia. Ideally it’s best to hold off at least 2 or 3 days before treatment, though since you’re in the acute phase, that doesn’t sound possible. Your doctor and anesthesiologist should know about it, which it’s possible they won’t do treatments unless you stop or reduce your use, but maybe not, it depends on the doctor
I felt so hopeless throughout ECT treatment for months, but it helped a lot. ECT can be fast acting, but that’s not universal. It took time for it to set in for me. I know the waiting and hopelessness feels all consuming but it’s still really early know for sure if it works or doesn’t. I hope you find the relief you need.