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Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
Published on: May 2, 2025
Clinical inquiries: what drugs are best for bipolar depression?
Chibuzo Ukaegbu1, J Burton Banks, Nakia J Carter
1Department of Family Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA.
Abstract:
Antidepressants and lamotrigine are effective. Atypical antipsychotics, lithium, and anticonvulsants also may help. Antidepressants, including tricyclics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are useful adjuncts in short-term treatment of bipolar depression and have low rates of inducing mania (strength of recommendation [SOR]: 1 systematic review and randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). Lamotrigine is beneficial for both acute treatment of bipolar depression and prevention of recurrent episodes (SOR: 1 systematic review and 1 RCT). Some atypical antipsychotics alone (SOR: 2 RCTs) or in combination with antidepressants (SOR: 1 multicenter RCT) effectively treat acute bipolar depression. Lithium and anticonvulsants such as valproate also may be useful (SOR: limited number of studies with small sample sizes).
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