Carbamazepine in rapid cycling bipolar affective disorder.

Abstract

Eighteen patients with rapid cycling bipolar affective disorder were recruited for an open trial of carbamazepine. Of these patients all but 2 had been resistant to lithium prophylaxis. Twelve of the patients were able to complete at least 6 months on carbamazepine. Of these 12 patients, 2 had a complete remission of their affective disorders on carbamazepine alone, 2 completely responded to combined lithium and carbamazepine treatment, 3 had a slight beneficial effect from the drug, and for the other 5 patients carbamazepine was of no therapeutic benefit. This suggests that, while carbamazepine is effective for some rapid cycling patients, for the majority alternative treatment strategies are still required.

• Authors: P R Joyce
• Journal: International clinical psychopharmacology (Int Clin Psychopharmacol) Vol. 3 Issue 2 Pg. 123-9 (Apr 1988) ISSN: 0268-1315 [Print] England
• PMID: 3397520 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Carbamazepine
• Lithium

Topics

• Adult
• Bipolar Disorder (drug therapy)
• Carbamazepine (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Humans
• Lithium (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Recurrence