Department of Psychiatry 1202, Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32 B, Chandigarh, India.
Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract. 2008;12(4):303-8. doi: 10.1080/13651500802209670.
Objectives. The importance of intracellular calcium ions to processes that may be involved in mania and the calcium antagonist action of mood stabilizers suggest a role of verapamil in the treatment of mania. This study was undertaken to compare the clinical efficacy and tolerability of verapamil versus lithium in manic patients. Methods. Patients with acute mania were randomized to receive lithium (N =25) or verapamil (N =25) in a 4-week double-blind comparative study. Both groups were homogeneous with regard to demographic and disease variables. The primary efficacy measures were the mean change from the baseline to the last assessment in BRMS (Bech-Raefelson Mania Rating Scale) and YMRS (Young-Mania Rating scale) total score. The rating scales were administered to the patients on day 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 21, 28 of the study. Attendant's assessment of relief and adverse events were recorded during the study. Results. Both treatment groups showed significant decrease in mean BRMS and YMRS score assessed at different points of time. The study showed an equal efficacy of verapamil compared with lithium in the treatment of mania. The findings were supported by good tolerability of verapamil treatment. Conclusion. This study found equal benefit of verapamil over lithium in treating acute mania.
细胞内钙离子在可能与躁狂有关的过程中的重要性，以及心境稳定剂的钙拮抗剂作用，提示维拉帕米在治疗躁狂中的作用。本研究旨在比较维拉帕米与锂在躁狂患者中的临床疗效和耐受性。
急性躁狂患者被随机分配接受锂（N=25）或维拉帕米（N=25）治疗，为期 4 周的双盲对照研究。两组在人口统计学和疾病变量方面均具有同质性。主要疗效指标是从基线到最后评估时 BRMS（Bech-Raefelson 躁狂评定量表）和 YMRS（Young-Mania 评定量表）总分的平均变化。在研究的第 1、3、5、7、11、13、17、21、28 天，对患者进行了量表评估。在研究期间，记录了陪同者对缓解和不良反应的评估。
两组治疗组在不同时间点的 BRMS 和 YMRS 评分均显著降低。研究表明，维拉帕米与锂在治疗躁狂方面具有同等疗效。维拉帕米治疗的良好耐受性支持了这一发现。
本研究发现维拉帕米在治疗急性躁狂方面与锂同样有效。
