TITLE:
Review of double mood stabilizer treatments for bipolar disorder in China
AUTHORS:
Weidong Jin, Maria Uscinska, Yongchun Ma
KEYWORDS:
Bipolar Disorde; Double Mood Stabilizers; Lithium Carbonate; Sodium Valproate
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Psychiatry,
Vol.4 No.1,
January
3,
2014
ABSTRACT:
Background: Although treatment guidelines for bipolar
disorder in many countries commonly include lithium carbonate joint with sodium
valproate, this combination is not effective for all patients. Moreover, some
adverse reactions related to this treatment, neurotoxicity and interaction with
other drugs justify and call for a new reviewing of the issue. Methods: Evidence
base for the interactions of combined drugs, the metabolic features, action
mechanism, efficacy and side effects of these treatment combinations were
reviewed. Considerable attention was given to the relationship of the mutual
action of these drugs with their clinical efficacy but also their side effects. Results: The efficacy of combination therapy of lithium with valproate for
treatment and prevention of mania were superior to monotherapy of lithium or
valproate. Conclusion: Double mood stabilizer therapy is the best relative
treatment for patients with bipolar disorder, especially mania and related
episodes.