Verapamil in Bipolar Illness

Abstract

The authors report two cases of Bipolar Affective Disorder which were responsive to Lithium therapy in the past, but could no longer be treated with Lithium due to hyperparathyroidism in the first case and noncompliance in the second. In both cases, successful control of hypomania was achieved with Verapamil, but treatment of depression required the addition of Trazodone. The rationale for employing a calcium channel blocking agent, such as Verapamil, in bipolar illness is reviewed.