Superiority of lithium over verapamil in mania: A randomized, controlled, single-blind trial

Abstract

Background: Both case reports and small controlled studies suggest the efficacy of verapamil in the treatment of mania. Method: Forty patients with DSM-IV mania were studied in a 28-day randomized, controlled, single-blind trial of either lithium or verapamil. Results: The patients receiving lithium showed a significant improvement on all rating scales (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale [BPRS], Mania Rating Scale [MRS], Global Assessment of Functioning [GAF], and Clinical Global Impression [CGI]) compared with those receiving verapamil. The mean MRS score at Day 28 in the lithium group was significantly lower than that in the verapamil group (17.47 vs. 24.43, respectively; F = 6.1 7, df = 1, p ..