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Research Paper | Psychiatry | India | Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023

A Comparative Study between the Efficacy of Lithium with Sodium Valproate Combination Therapy and Lithium with Carbamazepine Combination Therapy in Patients with Euthymic Bipolar Disorder

Rajveer Singh Nirwan | Saravjot Kaur Sandhu | Rajendrakumar Katte

Abstract: Introduction: Treatment of bipolar disorder (BD) usually requires drug combinations. Lithium, sodium valproate and carbamazepine are each recommended as a monotherapy for preventing relapses in patients with bipolar disorders and are sometimes used in various combinations. However, Li/SVP and Li/CBZ combination have never been compared rigorously. Materials and methods: 70 patients aged 20 - 55 years diagnosed as bipolar disorder as per ICD 10 and euthymic for atleast 6 months - (HAM - D ?8, YMRS?6) who were on Lithium and sodium valproate combination therapy were chosen as group Li/SVP and on Lithium and carbamazepine combination therapy were chosen as group Li/CBZ. Functioning, quality of life, neurocognition and safety were assessed and compared between both groups. Results: Patients on Lithium and sodium valproate combination therapy had better GAF and WHOQOL - BREF score with statistically significant results (p<0.001). Also, the number of depressive and manic episodes were found to be reduced in the group receiving lithium and sodium valproate combination therapy. No between - group significant difference was found in neurocognition variables. Conclusion: Li/SVP combination therapy was found superior with better functioning and quality of life, lesser number of depressive and manic episodes in comparison to Li/CBZ combination therapy.

Keywords: Bipolar disorder, Sodium valproate, Lithium, Carbamazepine

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023,

Pages: 1725 - 1730