Galantamine treatment of cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder: four cases.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if galantamine is effective in the treatment of chronic cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder.


METHODS
All charts of patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for bipolar disorder treated with galantamine in an academic bipolar disorder specialty clinic psychiatric practice were reviewed and clinical response was assessed retrospectively using the Clinical Global Impression scale for Improvement.


RESULTS
Galantamine was effective in two of four patients, both of whom took at least 24 mg/day. It was ineffective in two patients who only took 8 mg/day. Sedation limited higher dosing in one patient, and a second patient experienced sedation and tremor. Improvement in cognition was not associated with improvement in mood. Galantamine appeared neutral in its effect on mood.


CONCLUSIONS
This pilot case series suggests that galantamine may have some utility in improving chronic cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder. Larger studies are required to clarify these initial pilot data.
Schrauwen
Eric
E
Bipolar Disorder Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Ghaemi
S Nassir
SN
D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005702:Galantamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D005702:Galantamine