Aripiprazole for the treatment of bipolar disorder: a review of current evidence.
BACKGROUND
several medications are available for the treatment of different phases of bipolar disorder, yet many of the drugs that are currently approved carry a substantial burden of side effects or do not lead all treated patients to remission.


METHODS
this paper comprises a review and commentary regarding the use of oral and intramuscular aripiprazole in the acute and maintenance phases of bipolar disorder. Basic principles in dosing, switching, management of side effects and co-administration of aripiprazole with other medications are provided. This paper presents practical strategies to translate the data from clinical research into clinical practice.


CONCLUSIONS
aripiprazole has proven to be an effective medication for the acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes, as well as for the prophylactic-maintenance phase of bipolar disorder in patients recovering from a manic/mixed episode. Choosing the appropriate dosing and tapering strategy, addressing the side effects, controlling withdrawal symptoms from previous medications and using adjunctive medications when necessary are key to successful treatment with aripiprazole.
University of Siena School of Medicine, Department of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Siena 53100, Italy.
Andrea
A
Fagiolini
Maria
M
Nitti
Rocco N
RN
Forgione
Francesco S
FS
Marra
Francesco
F
Casamassima
D000284:Administration, Oral; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068180:Aripiprazole; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D010879:Piperazines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015363:Quinolones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010879:Piperazines; D015363:Quinolones; D000068180:Aripiprazole