In a new study, tamoxifen citrate (Nolvadex drags, AstraZeneca), best known as a treatment for breast cancer, dramatically reduced symptoms of the manic phase of bipolar disorder more quickly than many standard medications for the mental illness. By the end of the study, 63% of the patients taking tamoxifen had reduced manic symptoms, compared with only 13% of those taking a placebo. Patients taking tamoxifen responded by the fifth day.

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Asenapine tablets (Saphris, Schering-Plough) have been approved to treat both schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder in adults.

A boxed warning is included to alert prescribers about an increased risk of death associated with the off-label use of this atypical antipsychotic medication for treating behavioral problems in older people with dementia-related psychosis. Asenapine is not approved for these patients.

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