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Carbamazepine compared to haloperidol in acute mania
D Brown1, T Silverstone, J Cookson
1Academic Unit of Human Psychopharmacology, Medical Colleges of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, England.
International Clinical Psychopharmacology
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Carbamazepine (CBZ) shows potential for treating acute mania, with significant improvement observed. While haloperidol (HP) acted faster, CBZ was better tolerated, suggesting it as a viable alternative treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Acute mania is a severe psychiatric condition requiring effective treatment.
- Haloperidol (HP) is a common treatment, but often associated with side effects.
- Alternative treatments for acute mania are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and tolerability of carbamazepine (CBZ) versus haloperidol (HP) in patients with acute mania.
- To evaluate treatment completion rates and adverse events associated with both drugs.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, between-patient clinical trial was conducted.
- Eight patients received carbamazepine (CBZ) and nine received haloperidol (HP).
- Patients were assessed over a 4-week treatment period.
Main Results:
- Both CBZ and HP groups showed statistically significant clinical improvement within 2 weeks, with HP acting faster.
- Higher treatment discontinuation rates were observed with HP (7/9) compared to CBZ (2/8), primarily due to extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) with HP.
- Adverse events included EPS in HP patients, and drowsiness and gastrointestinal symptoms in both groups, with CBZ generally better tolerated.
Conclusions:
- Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a potentially useful and better-tolerated alternative for treating acute mania compared to haloperidol (HP).
- Further research is warranted to explore CBZ's role in mania management.
- The study highlights the importance of considering side effect profiles in antipsychotic selection for acute mania.