Objective: To review data on the effectiveness of topiramate as a mood stabilizer.
Data sources: Clinical literature accessed through MEDLINE (1985-September 2001) and the manufacturer. Key search terms included topiramate, mania, mood stabilizer, and bipolar disorder.
Data synthesis: The traditional standard therapy for bipolar disorder has been lithium. Other mood stabilizers are increasingly being used to manage this complex disorder. Studies that used topiramate in bipolar disorders were evaluated.
Conclusions: The present data from open trials suggest that topiramate may possibly possess antimanic properties. Controlled, double-blind studies are required to confirm this efficacy.