Abstract | BACKGROUND: The treatment of bipolar disorders with mood stabilizing agents is complicated by breakthrough episodes of depression. Currently there are no consistently safe and effective medications for these episodes. The authors address the use of bupropion for this purpose. METHOD: RESULTS: Seven of the 11 patients had moderate-to-marked improvement after 6 weeks of treatment. A moderate-to-marked improvement continued in 4 of the 11 patients after a mean of 12 months of treatment (range, 0-20 months), justifying the continuation of bupropion. Baseline Global Assessment of Functioning scores, history of previous response to other antidepressants, treatment refractoriness, comorbid diagnoses, bipolar subtype, family history, cycle length, and demographics did not discriminate between bupropion responders and nonresponders. However, 6 of the 11 patients experienced manic or hypomanic episodes that necessitated discontinuation of bupropion. Five of the 6 patients who had manic episodes had been stabilized on lithium and carbamazepine or valproate prior to the addition of bupropion. CONCLUSION:
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Authors | D L Fogelson, A Bystritsky, R Pasnau |
Journal | The Journal of clinical psychiatry
(J Clin Psychiatry)
Vol. 53
Issue 12
Pg. 443-6
(Dec 1992)
ISSN: 0160-6689 [Print] United States |
PMID | 1487473
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Antidepressive Agents
- Bupropion
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Ambulatory Care
- Antidepressive Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Bipolar Disorder
(chemically induced, drug therapy, psychology)
- Bupropion
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
- Retrospective Studies
- Severity of Illness Index
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