Gabapentin treatment for bipolar disorders.
OBJECTIVE
[corrected] To review the effectiveness data on the use of gabapentin in bipolar disorders.


METHODS
Clinical literature was accessed through MEDLINE (January 1985-November 2000). Key search terms included gabapentin, mood stabilizer, and bipolar disorder.


RESULTS
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that can be difficult to treat effectively. Mood stabilizers are increasingly being used to manage bipolar disorder. Studies that used gabapentin in bipolar disorders are evaluated.


CONCLUSIONS
From the data presented, gabapentin cannot be recommended for treatment of bipolar disorder. Further studies are required to determine whether gabapentin has any role in the management of bipolar disorder.
Maidment
I D
ID
Pharmacy Department, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, England. ian.maidment@ekh-tr.sthames.nhs.uk
D000085:Acetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000588:Amines; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D018692:Antimanic Agents; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin