Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
Published on: May 2, 2025
Abuse of dosulepin to induce mania
Peter Lepping1, David B Menkes
1North Wales Section of of Psychological Medicine, University of Wales Academic Unit, Wrexham, Wales. peter.lepping@new-tr.wales.nhs.uk
Background:
Tricyclic antidepressants sometimes trigger mania in bipolar patients, but little is known about their potential for abuse in this regard.
Case Description:
We describe a man with bipolar disorder and alcohol dependency who abused dosulepin repeatedly in order to induce manic episodes. This caused serious problems for treatment and long-term outcome. We mention two further cases in which dosulepin or clomipramine was used deliberately to induce bipolar mania.
Conclusions:
Tricyclic antidepressants can be abused to induce mood elevation in bipolar patients. This should be considered in cases of treatment-resistant mania.
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