When electroshock is given, there is generally a rise of blood-pressure for a time. It is therefore stated in various text-books that the treatment is contra-indicated in cases of hypertension. Even premedication with thiopentone and curare does not always succeed in lowering the pressure to a safe level. It is also known that the initial rise in pressure may be followed by a subsequent compensatory fall, so that any drug which prevents fluctuations of arterial tension is likely to be of value. Etamon [tetra-ethyl ammonium chloride (T.E.A.C.)] lowers the blood-pressure by acting on the synapses of the sympathetic nervous system.

Many hospitals have found that electronarcosis is a valuable adjunct to treatment, as it is frequently successful when simple electroshock has failed. On many older patients, however, in whom this treatment is especially useful, the rise of blood-pressure can be very marked; and even forward placement of the electrodes does not always avoid this complication.

At the West London Hospital it was therefore decided to try out the effect of Etamon (Burroughs Wellcome). The bromide salt has the same effect. This drug has been used to lower the blood-pressure in hypertensive states, but there are certain disadvantages in its prolonged use for this purpose. Its administration, however, to combat a temporary rise of blood-pressure lasting 20 to 30 minutes is without any ill effects at all.