Fasting before Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) – Patient information leaflet

This leaflet provides information about not eating or drinking (fasting) before ECT treatment for adults. The information provided is based on the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland guidelines for fasting times alongside input from medical professionals working at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.

Fasting is important to prevent complications during ECT. If you have food or fluid in your stomach when you are under anaesthetic this may cause you to vomit and become unwell. It is also important not to fast for too long as this is unnecessary and can make you feel worse, affecting your treatment experience.

Food:
Eat as you normally would the day before your treatment. You are able to eat food up to six hours before your treatment but must not eat anything after this time. This includes not eating chewing gum or drinking milk (including in other drinks) for the six hours before treatment. Try to eat something no longer than 16 hours before your treatment. Usually having supper before going to bed will be sufficient.

Fluids:
Drink as you normally would the day before your treatment. You can drink as much clear fluids as you would like up until two hours before your treatment and this is encouraged to maintain hydration. Clear fluids include water, weak cordial or squash, and weak black tea or black coffee. Make sure you have some fluids within at least four hours of your appointment.
Drinks made from milk (such as hot chocolate and coffee made with milk) and carbonated drinks (such as lemonade and cola) count as food and should not be consumed within six hours.

It is very important that you do not drink any fluids within the two hours before your treatment except to take premedication (the ECT team will advise if this is necessary). 100ml (or 1/2 small cup) of water only is permitted to take this medication within one hour of your appointment.

ECT staff will provide you with something to eat and drink after you have completed your treatment and recovered from the anaesthetic.

• Association of Anaesthetists
• Pre-operative Assessment and Patient Preparation – The Role of the Anaesthetist

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Published by the Patient Information Centre
2024 Copyright, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref, PIC/846/0424 April 2024 V2
www.cntw.nhs.uk Tel: 0191 246 7288
Review date 2027