Can a reversal drug protect memory during ECT for depression?

NCT ID NCT07619092

First seen Jun 03, 2026 · Last updated Jun 24, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether giving flumazenil, a drug that reverses the effects of benzodiazepines, right before electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can reduce cognitive side effects like memory loss in hospitalized patients with depression. About 145 participants will either continue their benzodiazepine and receive flumazenil before ECT, or stop the benzodiazepine beforehand as usual. The goal is to see if flumazenil helps protect thinking and memory without reducing ECT's effectiveness.

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Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Frederiksberg, Capital Region, 2000, Denmark

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Flumazenil

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a way to reduce memory and thinking side effects of ECT for depression, making the treatment easier to tolerate.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial. The benefit may be small or not appear, and flumazenil could cause anxiety or other side effects. Results may not apply to all patients.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bipolar disorder major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.