TY - JOUR
T1 - Alternative drug therapies for mania
T2 - A literature review
AU - Jann, M. W.
AU - Garrelts, J. C.
AU - Ereshefsky, L.
AU - Saklad, S. R.
PY - 1984/1/1
Y1 - 1984/1/1
N2 - This article reviews the agents used to treat manic patients. It has been suggested that up to 20 percent of all manic patients are refractory to lithium. We reviewed studies suggesting that drugs affecting the serotoninergic, adrenergic, dopaminergic, and opioid neurotransmission systems, as well as anticonvulsants and others, are possible alternative treatments. Despite the large number of agents used, few large controlled studies carefully examine these interventions. Clinical assessments using specific manic rating scales are lacking in most studies. Among the successful alternative treatments reported, carbamazepine has received the most intensive research. Other suggested therapeutic agents, such as levothyroxine and clorgyline, require additional research to verify their effectiveness. From these pharmacological approaches and an understanding of pathophysiology of mania, future therapeutic interventions can be formulated.
AB - This article reviews the agents used to treat manic patients. It has been suggested that up to 20 percent of all manic patients are refractory to lithium. We reviewed studies suggesting that drugs affecting the serotoninergic, adrenergic, dopaminergic, and opioid neurotransmission systems, as well as anticonvulsants and others, are possible alternative treatments. Despite the large number of agents used, few large controlled studies carefully examine these interventions. Clinical assessments using specific manic rating scales are lacking in most studies. Among the successful alternative treatments reported, carbamazepine has received the most intensive research. Other suggested therapeutic agents, such as levothyroxine and clorgyline, require additional research to verify their effectiveness. From these pharmacological approaches and an understanding of pathophysiology of mania, future therapeutic interventions can be formulated.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0021225530&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/106002808401800704
DO - 10.1177/106002808401800704
M3 - Review article
C2 - 6430658
AN - SCOPUS:0021225530
SN - 0012-6578
VL - 18
SP - 577
EP - 589
JO - Drug Intelligence and Clinical Pharmacy
JF - Drug Intelligence and Clinical Pharmacy
IS - 7-8
ER -