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Carbamazepine vs Lithium in the Treatment and Prophylaxis of Mania

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

R. M. Lusznat ,
D. P. Murphy  and
C. M. H. Nunn
R. M. Lusznat
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Royal South Hants Hospital, Graham Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO9 4PE
D. P. Murphy
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Royal South Hants Hospital, Graham Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO9 4PE
C. M. H. Nunn*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Royal South Hants Hospital, Graham Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO9 4PE
*
∗Correspondence
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Abstract

Fifty-four acutely manic patients were allocated to treatment on a double-blind basis with either carbamazepine or lithium carbonate. The short-term effects of treatment were studied over a period of six weeks and the longer term, prophylactic, effects over a period of up to a year. Additional ‘rescue’ medication was allowed when clinically indicated. There was a high drop-out rate from the trial. Despite this, it appeared that valid comparisons between the two treatments could be made. No statistically significant differences were found, but carbamazepine appeared slightly less effective as a treatment for acute mania and more effective as a prophylactic treatment in this group of patients. Possible predictors of individual responsiveness to each treatment are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 153 , Issue 2 , August 1988 , pp. 198 - 204
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1988 

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