What drugs are best for bipolar depression?

Abstract

Antidepressants, including tricyclics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are useful adjuncts in short-term treatment of bipolar depression and have low rates of inducing mania (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, 1 systematic review and randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). Lamotrigine is beneficial for both acute treatment of bipolar depression and prevention of recurrent episodes (SOR: A, 1 systematic review and 1 RCT).