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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2013 Apr;202(4):301-6.
doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.111.104711. Epub 2012 Oct 25.

Efficacy and mood conversion rate during long-term fluoxetine v. lithium monotherapy in rapid- and non-rapid-cycling bipolar II disorder

Jay D Amsterdam  1 , Lola Luo, Justine Shults
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Efficacy and mood conversion rate during long-term fluoxetine v. lithium monotherapy in rapid- and non-rapid-cycling bipolar II disorder

Jay D Amsterdam et al. Br J Psychiatry. 2013 Apr.

Abstract

Background: Controversy exists over antidepressant use in rapid-cycling bipolar disorder.

Aims: Exploratory analysis of safety and efficacy of fluoxetine v. lithium monotherapy in individuals with rapid- v. non-rapid-cycling bipolar II disorder.

Method: Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison of fluoxetine v. lithium monotherapy in patients initially stabilised on fluoxetine monotherapy (trial registration NCT00044616).

Results: The proportion of participants with depressive relapse was similar between the rapid- and non-rapid-cycling groups (P = 0.20). The odds of relapse were similar between groups (P = 0.36). The hazard of relapse was similar between groups (hazard ratio 0.87, 95% CI 0.40-1.91). Change in mania rating scores was similar between groups (P = 0.86). There was no difference between groups in the rate of syndromal (P = 0.27) or subsyndromal (P = 0.82) hypomania.

Conclusions: Depressive relapse and treatment-emergent mood conversion episode rates were similar for lithium and fluoxetine monotherapy and placebo during long-term, relapse-prevention therapy of rapid- and non-rapid-cycling bipolar II disorder.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations of interest

None.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow chart of participants.
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References

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