The use of topiramate in mood stabilization.
OBJECTIVE
To review data on the effectiveness of topiramate as a mood stabilizer.


METHODS
Clinical literature accessed through MEDLINE (1985-September 2001) and the manufacturer. Key search terms included topiramate, mania, mood stabilizer, and bipolar disorder.


RESULTS
The traditional standard therapy for bipolar disorder has been lithium. Other mood stabilizers are increasingly being used to manage this complex disorder. Studies that used topiramate in bipolar disorders were evaluated.


CONCLUSIONS
The present data from open trials suggest that topiramate may possibly possess antimanic properties. Controlled, double-blind studies are required to confirm this efficacy.
Maidment
Ian D
ID
Pharmacy Department, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3NG, England. ian.maidment@ekh-tr.sthames.nhs.uk
D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005632:Fructose / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D000077236:Topiramate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077236:Topiramate; D005632:Fructose