|
Topics in Evidence-Based Pharmacy Practice
11/30/2010: The Low Down on Antidepressants in Bipolar Depression
Tiffany-Jade Kreys
Feik School of Pharmacy, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas
Excerpt:"The use of antidepressants for acute treatment of bipolar depression is a controversial topic in the world of psychiatry today. Studies assessing the propensity of antidepressants to produce a “switch” into mania or hypomania, as well as those evaluating the efficacy of antidepressants in treating bipolar depression, have displayed mixed results. Despite conflicting data, about 50% of patients with bipolar depression are prescribed an antidepressant.1,2 A systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials published in 2004 found antidepressants to be both safe and effective for the treatment of bipolar depression.3 More recent randomized, controlled trials of antidepressants have demonstrated different results. Consequently, a systematic review and meta-analysis reassessing the efficacy and safety of antidepressants for acute bipolar depression was recently published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in October of 2010.4..."
|
|
|
|
|