This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Dorson, P. G. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Psychiatric Uses of Anticonvulsants

College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712

Anticonvulsants are being used for psychiatric indications with increasing frequency. The potential indications for carbamazepine (CBZ), valproic acid (VPA), clonazepam, and phenytoin are reviewed, with emphasis on double-blind controlled studies where available. Dosage guidelines, adverse effects, and monitoring parameters are reviewed for each of these drugs. The pathophysiological basis for anticonvulsant effectiveness is presented for mood disorders and aggression. CBZ and VPA represent second and third line agents after traditional lithium therapy in bipolar disorder. Clonazepam may be effective in the acute treatment of manic agitation. These alternative agents, when used for appropriate indications, may help the clinician manage the treatment-resistant manic patient. CBZ is also effective for the treatment of aggression and potentially effective for alcohol withdrawal.

Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Vol. 3, No. 4, 262-275 (1990)
DOI: 10.1177/089719009000300408


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?