INTRODUCTION: Antipsychotic drugs are increasingly used in the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. This review addresses the evidence supporting the use of one of these medications for this indication in order to place available data in perspective for the clinician. AREAS COVERED: The approval of ziprasidone for maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder was based on two open-label extensions of industry-sponsored 3-week monotherapy trials in mania, involving a total of 189 patients and an industry-sponsored study using sample enrichment of 584 outpatients who had either ziprasidone or a placebo added to lithium or valproate. Patients enrolled in maintenance studies did not have refractory mood disorders or comorbid conditions or risk of dangerousness, and they were able to give sustained consent. Ziprasidone is generally well tolerated, but should be taken with food. Primary interactions of concern are those with other serotonergic medications and other medications that prolong the QT interval. EXPERT OPINION: Although antipsychotic drugs are used frequently for maintenance treatment, current guidelines recommend that an attempt be made to withdraw them after acute treatment. The use of these medications as part of a maintenance regimen is most appropriate in cases of persistent psychosis or failure to respond to standard mood stabilizer combinations.
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