Gabapentin as an adjunctive treatment in bipolar disorder.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of gabapentin as an adjunctive treatment for bipolar disorder in both depressed and manic phases.


METHODS
Thirty seven patients with bipolar type I or II with or without a rapid cycling course were openly treated with gabapentin added to current treatment for up to six months. Mood symptoms were rated weekly for 12 weeks then monthly for 3 months utilizing the HamD and YMS.


RESULTS
Participants experienced a significant reduction in both depressive and manic symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings are consistent with others in establishing the efficacy of gabapentin in both phases of bipolar disorder.


CONCLUSIONS
Small sample size and the use of an open uncontrolled design limit interpretation of results.
Young
L T
LT
Department of Psychiatry, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. youngt@fhs.mcmaster.ca
Robb
J C
JC
Hasey
G M
GM
MacQueen
G M
GM
Patelis Siotis
I
I
Marriott
M
M
Joffe
R T
RT
D000085:Acetates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D000588:Amines; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D018692:Antimanic Agents; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin