Ropinirole in Bipolar Disorder: Rate of Manic Switching and Change in Disease Severity.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of ropinirole on manic switching and disease severity in bipolar disorder. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 23 bipolar depressed patients using ropinirole combination therapy (Young Mania Rating Scale [YMRS], Bipolar Inventory of Symptoms Scale [BISS]). Retrospective Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI-C) and CGI-S (Severity) were captured via chart review. FINDINGS: One patient (4.3%) experienced induction of mania (YMRS). All patients responded or partially responded to ropinirole (CGIs). YMRS and BISS mania scores were correlated. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Ropinirole has a low rate of manic switching and significantly reduces bipolar depression severity.