Despite a number of trials supporting the administration of quetiapine in patients with acute mania, the evidence supporting maintenance therapy is limited. To date, a 12-month, open-label, randomized trial in 28 bipolar patients is the only study supporting the use of quetiapine as maintenance therapy.
Of interest, an 8-week, placebo-controlled study in patients with bipolar depression was presented at the APA 2004 annual meeting. This study showed a rapid and robust treatment effect as early as week 1.
Strengths:
- Proven acute antimanic effect.
- Possible antidepressant effect.
- Reduced weight gain, hormonal changes, and EPS compared with other atypical antipsychotics.
Weaknesses
- Data on maintenance are limited.
- Associated with somnolence and other side effects.
Supporting data