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Mode of administration

What is mode of administration of medications for bipolar disorder?

Mode of administration with reference to bipolar disorder usually refers to oral or injection administration. Studies have shown that people with bipolar disorder can relapse due to lack of adherence to prescribed medications. Long-acting injectable medications are a treatment option for those who are not adhering to, or do not remember to take, their prescribed oral preparations. This topic assesses whether injectable medications are more effective than placebo or oral preparations for treating symptoms of bipolar disorder.

What is the evidence for mode of administration for people with bipolar disorder?

High quality evidence suggests a small to medium-sized effect of fewer relapses with long-acting injection second generation antipsychotics than with placebo, with less all-cause treatment discontinuation.

Moderate to low quality evidence found no differences in relapse rates or all-cause discontinuation between long-acting injection second generation antipsychotics and oral antipsychotics or treatment as usual, although prolactin-related adverse events were found less often with long-acting injection second generation antipsychotics.

November 2021

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Last updated at: 11:59 am, 30th November 2021
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Orange - Topic summary is being compiled.
Red - Topic summary has no current systematic review available.