Clinical neuropharmacology
-
Clin Neuropharmacol · May 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyCombination treatment with aripiprazole and valproic acid for acute mania: an 8-week, single-blind, randomized controlled trial.
Despite the fact that combination treatment for patients with acute bipolar is prevalent in clinical practice, the outcomes of adjunct treatment with aripiprazole and a mood stabilizer have rarely been reported. The aim of this single-blind, randomized, controlled trial was to investigate treatment efficacy and safety of aripiprazole as an adjunct to valproic acid (Ari+Val), compared with haloperidol plus valproic acid (Hal+Val), in acute manic patients. ⋯ Our findings suggest that both combination strategies with Ari+Val and Hal+Val are beneficial for acute manic episode. Although patients receiving Ari+Val showed fewer extrapyramidal symptoms than those taking Hal+Val, careful consideration of adverse events such as weight gain and sedation is warranted.