The authors present a case study that explores the relationship of
dopamine function and manic illness through the use of two drugs with
relatively specific effects in stimulating and blocking dopamine
receptors--piribedil (ET--495) and pimozide, respectively. Piribedil, as
well as d-amphetamine, was associated with manic episodes, while pimozide
had an antimanic effect. These observations suggest that dopaminergic
mechanisms may be involved in the mediation of manic episodes in at least
some patients.
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