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Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Vagus Nerve Stimulation As an Adjunctive Neurostimulation Tool in Treatment-resistant Depression
Published on: January 7, 2019
Pros and cons of approved therapies for bipolar depression and ongoing unmet needs
Abstract:
Patients with bipolar disorder spend more time depressed than manic, but fewer clinical trials have been conducted investigating treatments for bipolar depression than for bipolar mania. Olanzapine-fluoxetine combination, quetiapine, and lurasidone are the only FDA-approved treatments for bipolar depression. Clinical trials of these drugs show similar efficacy but different side effect profiles. Clinicians, therefore, should consider possible adverse events and individual patient characteristics when selecting treatments.
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