title: Antipsychotic drug side effect issues in bipolar manic patients.
abstract: While the efficacy of antipsychotics as a maintenance treatment for bipolar patients has not been systematically studied, these drugs are commonly used in the long-term treatment of bipolar patients, and it is not unusual for a bipolar patient to be taking 3 to 4 medications, including antipsychotics. Conventional antipsychotics may be comparable to lithium for acute mania, but have limitations when used in the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder. Their adverse effects, which include extrapyramidal side effects, tardive dyskinesia, weight gain, sedation, and sexual dysfunction, often lead to non-compliance; their use may have a negative impact on the overall course of illness; and they may not be as effective as lithium in treating the core manic symptoms over the long term. Atypical antipsychotics may prove useful for bipolar patients who require antipsychotic treatment because of their favorable side effect profile, thymoleptic properties, and positive effect on overall functioning.
authors.affiliation: Bipolar and Psychotic Disorders Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester 01655, USA. carlos.zarate@umassmed.edu
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Zarate
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003024:Clozapine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010890:Pirenzepine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate; D018967:Risperidone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate; D010890:Pirenzepine; D003024:Clozapine; D018967:Risperidone; D000077152:Olanzapine