Carbamazepine in rapid cycling bipolar affective disorder.
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.
Joyce
P R
PR
Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine, Sunnyside Hospital, New Zealand.
D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence
D002220:Carbamazepine; D008094:Lithium