THE LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT OF BIPOLAR DISORDERS WITH LITHIUM, CARBAMAZEPINE, AND ANTIDEPRESSANTS

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 46  (2) , 58-60
Abstract
Carbamazepine is gaining recognition as a valuable drug in the treatment of patients with bipolar disorders who fail to respond to Li. Clinical experience in the treatment of 90 bipolar patients is described: 48% responded to Li alone or in combination with other standard drug treatments. A subgroup of 34 Li nonresponders were treated with carbamazepine; of these, 17 (50%) responded to carbamazepine and 5 responded to carbamazepine plus Li, for a total response rate of 65%. Issues of side effects, blood levels and compliance are discussed. The efficacy and safety of carbamazepine are supported. The need for well-controlled double-blind studies is suggested.