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Current Neuropharmacology

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ISSN (Print): 1570-159X
ISSN (Online): 1875-6190

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Research Article

Cariprazine Augmentation in Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression: Data from a Retrospective Observational Study

Author(s): Elena Teobaldi, Enrico Pessina, Azzurra Martini, Carlo Ignazio Cattaneo, Domenico De Berardis, Vassilis Martiadis, Giuseppe Maina* and Gianluca Rosso

Volume 22, Issue 10, 2024

Published on: 29 January, 2024

Page: [1742 - 1748] Pages: 7

DOI: 10.2174/1570159X22666240129095852

Price: $65

Abstract

Background: Treatment-resistant bipolar depression is one of the leading problems in psychiatry with serious consequences on patients functioning, quality of life and resource utilization. Despite this, there is a lack of consensus on diagnostic criteria and treatment algorithms.

Objective: The objective of the present study is to assess the acute effectiveness and tolerability of cariprazine in the management of treatment resistant bipolar depression.

Methods: This is a four weeks retrospective multicentric observational study on patients with treatment resistant bipolar depression receiving cariprazine in augmentation to the current treatment. Cariprazine dosage changed during the follow-up period according to clinical judgment. Since data followed a non-normal distribution, non-parametric tests were used to pursue the analysis. The effectiveness of cariprazine was assessed through the mean change in Hamilton Depression rating scale (HAM-D) scores from baseline to endpoint. For missing values, a “Last Observation Carried Forward” approach was applied.

Results: Fifty-one patients were enrolled. Four patients (7.8%) discontinued cariprazine mainly due to adverse events. Mean cariprazine dose was 1.7 mg/day. The mean HAM-D score decreased significantly from baseline (T0) to week 4 (T4) at each evaluation point. Fourty-five one percent of the patients benefited of cariprazine add-on strategy: 23.5% achieved a clinical response and 21.6% were remitters. Among the completers, 70.6% experienced at least one adverse event. All side effects were mild to moderate.

Conclusion: Cariprazine seems to be an effective and well tolerated option in the management of patients with treatment resistant bipolar depression.

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