Publication
Title
Pharmacokinetic evaluation of armodafinil for the treatment of bipolar depression
Author
Abstract
Introduction: Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric illness with recurring episodes of mania and depression. Armodafinil, the R-enantiomer of modafinil, approved for treating excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea and shift work disorder, is possibly effective as an adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression. Areas covered: This review covers the pharmacokinetics of armodafinil, with an emphasis on its use in bipolar depression. Its clinical efficacy in the treatment of bipolar depression is evaluated, along with current data regarding its safety and tolerability. Expert opinion: One placebo-controlled trial is available, in which armodafinil was efficacious as an adjunctive treatment in bipolar depression. Armodafinil shows a linear pharmacokinetic profile over a broad dose range of 50 400 mg (maximal plasma concentration and area under concentrationtime curve). Compared with modafinil, an equivalent dose of armodafinil attains higher blood concentrations 4 6 h post-dose. The possibility of drug interactions is generally low, although interactions have been shown with some drugs used in bipolar disorder, through mild CYP3A4-induction and CYP2C19-inhibition. Armodafinil is well tolerated and presents a possible new treatment option for bipolar depression. However, further investigation is still needed in order to confirm its efficacy and to clarify its role in the treatment of bipolar depression.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology
Publication
2012
DOI
10.1517/17425255.2012.708338
Volume/pages
8 :9 (2012) , p. 1189-1197
ISI
000307639000009
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 04.12.2012
Last edited 28.01.2024
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