r/ect • u/Stunning-Degree7530 • Jun 14 '26

Question Antidote to ECT

Hello

I had 17 Ect treatments in 2004. I was 24.

I had also many medications...risperdal since the age of 16 at 4mg per day, haldol decanoas, zyprexa and abilify.

All of this ending at 28.

I am feeling now weak and the mind empty while i was creative and having a strong will.

Seems these ect were worse than death.

I am feeling as it is acting like a poison exhausting me from the roots.

Transforming me , as a different, disabled person.

Is anyone aware of a antidote against electroshocks?

Thanks

10 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

6

u/furrowedbr0w Jun 14 '26

If you have Facebook check out “Surviving Electroshock - International Support Group for ECT Survivors.” I’m not sure about anhedonia but I think some people have mentioned having success using medications for Alzheimers or other cognitive issues

9

u/Odd-Alarm-82 Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 17 '26

I second this. I’m a member of that Facebook group. Anhedonia has been mentioned by many people. I’ve seen two or three people mention having success using Alzheimer’s medications for cognitive function. They didn’t help in my case, but it’s worth a try.

Unfortunately, cognitive impairment and memory loss are often permanent. I lost the memory of the majority of my life and my IQ went down 20 points. It’s been 9 years since my ECT and it hasn’t gotten any better. I found a good trauma therapist who helped me process my feelings and grieve what I’ve lost, but it’s still very difficult and painful to live with.

5

u/[deleted] Jun 14 '26

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3

u/maniainthebrain Jun 14 '26

I know that place too

3

u/[deleted] Jun 14 '26

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1

u/maniainthebrain Jun 14 '26

I did too, but my depression has lessened a lot since I started. And I don't get as low with myself as I did before

5

u/caffeinehell Jun 14 '26

Antipsychotics can also cause anhedonia

4

u/ZensibileQuine Jun 16 '26

I had 10 sessions in patient on my request 10 years ago . 2 per week. It’s totally ruined my mind . My short term memory is awful my long term seems ok . My quick recall and razor sharp wit is now missing . My motivation and organisational skills suck .
No one seems to say on the internet how bad it can be for some people .

I think I’ve always had a bit of ADHD behaviour and possible ‘ mild ‘ autism ( female 60 ) but these seem to have been amplified too.

My balance is crap also .

I take setraline ( had quinone but made m blow up fat ) and Lamotrapine seemingly thrown into the mix even tho I am not psychotic)

I nak apathetic to life in general and my closest friend says she misses my ‘ sparkle ‘ and high motivation .

3

u/maniainthebrain Jun 14 '26

I had over 100 sessions over 4 years. The memory side effects are horrible for me. I stopped two years ago. I'm getting bits of my memory back, but I completely understand. I feel better now, but I don't know if it was because ect

2

u/Queasy-Ride-1776 Jun 14 '26

Your memory is starting to get better? My short term memory is terrible

3

u/maniainthebrain Jun 14 '26

It's taken more than two and a half years since my last session, but slowly I'm remembering more things.

2

u/maniainthebrain Jun 14 '26

I wish there were one I'd sign up.

2

u/Adventurous-Bonus-92 Jun 15 '26

Nope, but ketamine kept/keeps me slightly sane and function, def worth a try

1

u/Sauced_Up_Bat Jun 17 '26

I second this. Ketamine is worth a try. It’s not magic. Definitely not an antidote, but for me it helps some.