Treatment of Bipolar Disorder With Antipsychotic Medication: Issues Shared With Schizophrenia

Atypical antipsychotics are increasingly used in bipolar disorder as antimanic, antidepressant, andmaintenance treatments. Many of the clinical issues related to switching antipsychotics are similarbetween schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These include similar motivations for switching due tolimited efficacy and unacceptable adverse effects. Particular attention must be paid to the phase oftreatment and coprescribed medications.