Dexmedetomidine for reducing succinylcholine-induced myalgia in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy: A clinical trial.

Background Succinylcholine is commonly used as a neuromuscular blocker during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), but it can induce myalgia in patients. Dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, may mitigate this side effect. This study investigates the efficacy of dexmedetomidine in reducing succinylcholine-induced myalgia in ECT patients. Materials and Methods We conducted a randomized, double-blind clinical trial involving 100 patients scheduled for ECT. Participants were divided into two groups: the dexmedetomidine group (n=50) received 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine prior to succinylcholine administration, while the control group (n=50) received a placebo. Myalgia was assessed using a numerical rating scale (0-10) 24 hours post-ECT. Results The dexmedetomidine group reported a significantly lower incidence of myalgia (20%) compared to the control group (48%) (p < 0.01). The mean myalgia score in the dexmedetomidine group was 2.1 ± 1.3, while the control group had a mean score of 4.8 ± 2.5 (p < 0.01). No significant adverse effects were noted in either group. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine significantly reduces the incidence and severity of succinylcholine-induced myalgia in patients undergoing ECT. This finding supports the use of dexmedetomidine as a premedication option in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]