[Anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, valproate, lamotrigine) in bipolar affective disorder]

The introduction of anticonvulsants to the treatment of recurring affective disorders, has significantly broadened the possibilities of helping the ill, especially in the prophylaxis of recurring symptoms of bipolar affective disorders. Carbamazepine and valproate (probably also lamotrigine) are a valuable alternative of Lithium Carbonate. The application of anticonvulsants requires strict rule regiment, which includes: gradual dose increase (especially in lamotrigine), gradual dose reduction when planning ending of the therapy, drug blood-level monitoring, liver action monitoring, haemopoietic system monitoring, in the case of the appearance of flu-like symptoms and skin changes--withdrawal of the drug. In simultaneous application of other drugs (e.g. psychotropic), probable interactions should be considered.