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Aripiprazole alone or in combination for acute mania
Rachel Brown1, Matthew J Taylor, John Geddes
1Clinical Pharmacy Support Unit, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Unit 46, Sandford Lane, Kennington, Oxford, UK, OX1 5RW.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|December 19, 2013
Summary
Aripiprazole effectively treats mania in adults and youth, but causes gastrointestinal issues and movement disorders. More research is needed to clarify its role compared to other treatments like lithium and haloperidol.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bipolar disorder involves mood swings, with drug treatment crucial for acute mania.
- Aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic, is a common treatment for mania, alone or combined with other drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate aripiprazole's efficacy and tolerability for acute manic or mixed episodes.
- To compare aripiprazole against placebo and other treatments, assessing adverse effects and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Searched multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO) and clinical trial registers up to July 2013.
- Included randomized controlled trials comparing aripiprazole with placebo or other drugs for acute mania.
Main Results:
- Aripiprazole showed greater efficacy than placebo in reducing manic symptoms at 3-4 weeks (moderate evidence).
- No significant difference was found between aripiprazole and lithium or haloperidol in reducing manic symptoms.
- Aripiprazole increased movement disorders and gastrointestinal disturbances compared to placebo.
Conclusions:
- Aripiprazole is effective for mania in adults and adolescents but has side effects.
- Limited comparative data beyond lithium and haloperidol makes its precise therapeutic role unclear.
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