Treatment and prevention of mania in bipolar I disorder: focus on aripiprazole

Abstract

Aripiprazole is a second-generation antipsychotic with a unique pharmacologic receptor profile that has efficacy in the treatment and prevention of mania in bipolar I disorder. This article reviews the evidence supporting treatment of adults with bipolar I disorder using aripiprazole as monotherapy or adjunctively during acute mania and its utility as an intramuscular agent for agitation in manic patients. Results from one of the longest bipolar maintenance trials which support aripiprazole as a prophylactic mood stabilizer, specifically against manic relapses, will be discussed as well as a post-hoc analysis that suggests efficacy for rapid cycling bipolar disorder. Safety and tolerability issues, patient-focused perspectives and aripiprazole’s place in therapy for bipolar mania will be covered.

Effect of combined administration of aripiprazole and fluoxetine on cognitive functions in female rats exposed to ethyl alcohol

“…These results corroborate with other clinical trials, e.g. by Kohen and colleagues (2010) and Muzina (2009). Therefore, it may be believed that no sedative effect is observed in ethanol-exposed female rats.…”

“…Similar results were obtained by Ingman and others (2006) who have shown that low doses of ARI (up to 3 mg) failed to affect locomotor activity. Burda and colleagues (2011), on the other hand, observed sedation upon chronic administration of ARI (for 14 days) at the dose of 6 mg/kg to male rats (Burda et al 2011) which may be explained with minimal affinity of the drug to histaminic and α1-adrenergic receptors (Muzina 2009). Clinical trials conducted in the United States by Owen and others (Owen et al 2009) found only rare cases of sedation in patients receiving aripiprazole.…”