Simultaneous Use of Carbamazepine and Lithium in the Treatment of Outpatients with Rapid Cycle Bipolar Disorder: Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

Purpose:rapid cycle bipolar disorder may be more resistant to treatment than other bipolar disorders. However, the effect of the synergistic use of carbamazepine and lithium in the treatment of outpatients with rapid cycle bipolar disorder without psychiatric comorbidity has not been studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Patients and methods: participants in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study met DSM-5 criteria for bipolar disorder with a rapid cycle between the ages of 18 and 65 years. The response and side effects of carbamazepine, lithium, and placebo were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests. The respondent underwent F2, demonstrating superiority with respect to carbamazepine and lithium than in the case of placebo. Carbamazepine and lithium were generally well tolerated by the study patients, although a larger number of patients receiving carbamazepine and lithium (n = 2) early discontinued the study due to side effects. Results:twenty-seven of the 36 participants taking the combined carbamazepine and lithium regimen responded at 12 weeks, compared with six of 38 participants who received a placebo (p < 0.001). Two common side effects that led to discontinuation of carbamazepine and the lithium group were allergic reaction and drowsiness. Frequent complaints of sweating and headache during placebo treatment occurred in two out of 38 men. There were no unexpected or serious adverse events. Conclusions: the combined use of carbamazepine and lithium in the treatment of outpatients with rapid cycle bipolar disorder has demonstrated superior use of carbamazepine and lithium than placebo.