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Clonazepam in acute mania: a double blind trial
R Edwards1, U Stephenson, T Flewett
1Department of Psychiatry, Memorial Hospital, Hastings, New Zealand.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Clonazepam demonstrated a specific antimanic effect in acutely manic patients, improving manic symptoms beyond phenothiazine treatment alone. Sedative side effects were noted, but the antimanic benefits were significant.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute mania is a severe neuropsychiatric condition requiring effective treatment.
- Phenothiazines are a common treatment, but additional therapeutic options are sought.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of clonazepam as an adjunctive treatment for acute manic symptoms.
- To determine if clonazepam offers benefits beyond standard phenothiazine therapy.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted.
- Acutely manic patients received either clonazepam or placebo, with chlorpromazine administered as needed.
- Symptom improvement and medication usage were monitored.
Main Results:
- The clonazepam group showed significantly greater improvement in manic symptoms compared to placebo.
- No significant improvement in psychotic symptoms was observed between groups.
- Clonazepam use was associated with a reduced need for phenothiazine medication.
- Sedation was a more frequent side effect in the clonazepam group.
Conclusions:
- Clonazepam exhibits a specific antimanic effect, independent of phenothiazines.
- This suggests clonazepam as a potential therapeutic option for managing acute mania.
- Further research is warranted to optimize its use and manage side effects.