Scientists believe that a drug originally used to treat schizophrenia can also be an effective medication to treat bipolar disorder.

The drug, called amisulpride, is an antipsychotic drug used to treat depression, mood imbalances, and thought disturbances as well as other symptoms of schizophrenia. The study's author, Dr. Eduard Vieta, says that amispulride's ability to treat bipolar disorder had not yet been realized.

"No prospective study to date has assessed the effectiveness and tolerability of this compound in mania."

Bipolar disorder occurs when the patient sways from one emotional extreme (mania or depression) to another in a short period of time.

The study was to originally have 20 bipolar patients, but was whittled down to 14 after six dropped out of the study for various reasons, including side effects, personal choices, and lack of a follow-up.

Out of the remaining 14 patients, thirteen responded positively to amisulpride, as their test scores showed a 50 percent improvement in terms of balance between mania and depression.

Because of amisulpride's strong side effects (dry mouth, muscle fatigue, heart palpitations), the research team believes that more controlled tests need to occur before amisulpride becomes a valid treatment for bipolar disorder patients.



http://www.mydna.com/health/mental/bipolar/news/resources/news/200506/news_20050614_schz.html